By Isle of Wight Observer
West Wight Sports & Community Centre has received the largest grant in the latest round of WightAID funding, with eight Island organisations sharing £22,634.
The Freshwater-based charity was awarded £10,000 to upgrade its IT systems, improving day-to-day operations, marketing, social media, and its website, while also helping generate more income from existing facilities, including its meeting room.
Centre manager, Clare Griffin, said: “As a charity it is difficult to find cash for major improvements such as this. We are very grateful to WightAID for the money that will make a huge difference to us.”
The grants were presented at a ceremony in Newport, where supporter, WRS, represented by Chloe Jackson, also handed over a cheque.
Wet Wheels CIC received £5,000 to help provide accessible boating trips for disabled people, covering skipper fees, fuel, shore crew, and volunteer expenses for outings from Yarmouth and Cowes.
Ryde-based Phoenix Project IOW was awarded £3,060 for a replacement industrial washing machine, supporting both hygiene and life-skills training for adults with disabilities.
Sun Drum CIC received £2,044 to buy instruments, including Tibetan singing bowls and a gong, for its mindful music and wellbeing sessions.
Extreme Explorer Scout Unit was granted £1,000 for expedition equipment, while Cowes Heritage Community Group received £870 to improve its website.
Smaller grants went to Wessex Cancer Support, which received £160 to enhance the garden at its Newport cancer centre, and Applegate Breast Cancer Support Group, which was awarded £500 towards a retreat day at Ventnor Botanic Garden.
WightAID founder, Geoff Underwood, said the latest awards highlighted both the growing need for charitable support and the generosity of Island businesses and individuals, adding that more corporate and personal donors were always welcome.
Isle of Wight Observer