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Eight Good Causes Handed WightAid Grants In Latest Round Of Funding

A greenhouse to help volunteers maintain the grounds of historic Northwood House is one of the grants from WightAID in its latest round of gifting.

Northwood Park depends on the support of volunteers to keep it looking at its best.

The Northwood House Charitable Trust Company received a £8,844.30 grant towards a large greenhouse, which will have a positive impact to the volunteers where they can work together in larger groups.

Roseleen Cullen, Northwood House chair of trustees, said:

“The charity that now runs the house and park is undertaking a major project to develop a Volunteer Community Gardening Area, as there is no dedicated facility for the volunteers to meet, coordinate and plan their work, store equipment, or to propagate and grow plants. 

“Central to this project is the need to erect a large greenhouse to extend the growing season, 

“The larger polycarbonate greenhouse that the Charity has been awarded funding for from WightAID, will enable groups of up to ten volunteers to work together for the benefit of all who use our wonderful park.”

The other major grant in the June round was for Sandown and Shanklin Rowing Club, who received a £4,740 grant towards replacing an outboard motor on their safety launch

The latest charity cheque was presented at IFPL in Shalfleet by Andrew Nordbruch, from Wight Computers.

Andrew has been a supporter of WightAID for many years.

A total of £16,584.30 was distributed to eight organisations.

Grants of under £500 went to: 

  • Apollo Youth Theatre received a grant towards specialist dance lessons for their 45 members, aged between 7-18 years old.
  • Community Spirited Café, based in East Cowes, received a grant for new banners to display at fundraising events. They have recently become a registered charity and their aim is to stop loneliness and Isolation. 
  • Shanklin Football Club received a grant towards new training bibs for their youth teams. The club has been running since 1888.
  • St Helens Primary School received a grant to improve and expand their Forest School Nature Garden. This will provide recreation time for outdoor learning and a breakout space for those with SEND and other additional needs.
  • Wight Rock Community Events CIC, received a grant towards stage hire for the Isle of Wight SteamPunk Festival. This event is free and will be held on September 20-22 in Ryde.
  • Queensgate Foundation Primary school received a grant to help pay for costumes and props for its Dance Live entry.

Emma Bradbury, from the school, said:

“We are very thankful for the money that has been provided. 

“Last year it allowed us to score full marks for our costumes and enabled children who otherwise may not of been able to take part to afford the experience.”

Geoff Underwood, founder of WightAID, thanked each charity for the amazing work they do. WightAID has distributed over £720,000 to more than 240 local charities.

Donors are primarily local businesses, but also many individuals who all have a passion for the Island.

Geoff said:

“It is great to support all these good causes but we can only do it with the help of the individuals and businesses who put their hands in their pockets. We are grateful for that support.” 

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