Thousands more donated to Island organisations supporting people through Covid-19

A dozen projects and organisations have received a share of over £31,000 to help their work supporting Island residents during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The money is the third tranche of assistance offered by six Island charitable trusts who have pooled resources to create ongoing funding for Covid-19-related community work.

The six trusts came together earlier this year, at the instigation of the then High Sheriff Geoff Underwood, to support the IW Crisis Appeal administered by WightAid which has now raised and distributed over £93,000 in total.

The charitable trusts are The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, The Daisie Rich Trust, The Isle of Wight Sports Foundation, The Isle of Wight Foundation (the partners behind Island Roads), The High Sheriff’s Trust, The RYS Foundation, and WightAID.

The latest round of money – including grants ranging from £500 to £10,000 – has been awarded to a range of organisations who are providing assistance to people affected by Covid-19 across all sections of society.

The largest grant of £10,000 has been awarded to mental health and wellbeing service Isorropia for IT equipment to provide online support throughout the COVID crisis.

Meanwhile Age UK has received just under £9,000 towards a project to provide iPads to each care home on the Island so residents can keep in touch with their family members and friends.

The other organisations to receive grants are RSPCA (£1,000), DIDDI (Sandown Free Food) (£500), Suicide Prevention & Intervention IOW (£2,654), AIM (People Matters) (£1,000), Network Ryde (£500), Community Spirited (£2,000), Age UK – The Yarbridge Inn (£2,400), Pop Up Soup Kitchen (£500), Operation Geranium (£500) and The Real Junk Food Project (£500).

Former High Sheriff Geoff Underwood who founded the WightAid Foundation said: “The diverse activities of the groups who will benefit from this funding really shows just how all sections of the community have been affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Fortunately, the challenges that brings have been met by the ongoing generosity of the Island community. The Crisis Appeal, initially launched with the IW Council, has brought together individuals, groups large and small as well as the six charitable foundations in one common goal – helping others on the Isle of Wight.”

Charlie Bell, director of Isorropia, said: “As a result of this grant award, Isorropia Foundation can develop and expand our range of online mental health support to help reach Island residents both during this challenging time and beyond.

“We are extremely grateful and would like to thank the Crisis Appeal and all the organisations and individuals involved in this very timely contribution.”

Suzanne Pugh RSPCA IW branch manager said: “This is just wonderful news. I cannot tell you just how vital these funds are right now, and how much the news made our small team smile.

“We have been looking after some of the animals whose owners have been unable to care for them during this time because of this awful disease.

“On behalf of our animals, our staff and volunteers, sincere thanks for helping us help those most vulnerable in our community – both animals and humans at this time.”

The Crisis Appeal is welcoming more applications for assistance. Further details are available via WightAid https://www.wightaid.org/donate