By Isle of Wight Observer
Age UK Isle of Wight has announced a record-breaking result in this year’s Big Knit campaign, thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of knitters across the Island.
The campaign, run in partnership with Innocent Drinks, encourages supporters to knit miniature hats to sit on top of smoothie bottles. For each hat made locally, Innocent donates 30p to Age UK Isle of Wight (AUKIW).
The charity initially set an ambitious goal of 12,500 hats when the campaign launched in October 2024. By May 2025, the target had already been reached, and by the close of the campaign in July, the final total stood at 18,794 hats, exceeding the target by more than half.
Cally Trott, Big Knit lead for the Island, said: “Our campaign’s success, which exceeded all expectations, was made possible through the support and enthusiasm of our local knitting community. Special thanks to volunteers Susan and Alfie, who helped count each hat and celebrate our best year yet.”
The surplus of hats will also benefit the charity. Local woodcrafter Gordy’s Wood, based at Arreton Barns, will be selling the additional 6,000 hats alongside his handmade wooden snowmen, donating £1 per sale back to Age UK IW.
The official Big Knit hats will appear on Innocent smoothie bottles in shops from October 2025, helping to raise awareness and further funds for older people on the Island.
For more information, visit iw.observer/age-uk-iw.
