A grant from WightAID will make life better and safer for the visually impaired on the Island.
Six Island charities were supported in the November giving round – the last of 2024 – and Sight for Wight (formerly the Isle of Wight Society for the Blind) received £2,000 to buy state-of-the-art smart speakers with built in cameras.
Simply saying “Alexa, what am I holding” to the Echo Show, allows it to read the text of what the Sight for Wight client is holding and reply, for instance: “500mg Paracetamol, 24 tablets”.
Other features which aid the visually impaired include help with:
• Appliances such as lights, blinds and plugs
• Drop in feature to other Alexa users
• Setting reminders and timers
• 30,000 RNIB books
• Sight for Wight’s own Skill with Newsletter, Talking News, SCAM and what’s on
• Interactive games and quizzes
Lisa Hollyhead, CEO of Sight for Wight, said:
“The What Am I holding skill is a simple way for people with low vision to identify different cans of food for example.
“A huge thank you to WightAID for allowing us to help real Island people in their daily lives.”
The latest charity cheque presentation held at IFPL at Calbourne, was conducted by WightAID supporter Robert Wester, from Carisbrooke Shipping.
Geoff Underwood, chairman of WightAID, said:
“It was great to have the opportunity for new connections to be made and for donors to meet first hand the charities who they are helping.
“We can’t underestimate how important it is for Island businesses and individuals to continue to back our charitable efforts.”
WightAID donated a total of £92,341 during 2024.
A total of £7,295 was distributed to six different charities and organisations in this grant round.
The other good causes receiving more than £500 were:
- IOW Defibrillators received £2,000 towards a defibrillator and batteries. The organisation supplies and maintains life-saving public access defibrillators on the Island.
- Men Only CIC received £1,800 towards its eight-week winter programme designed to support men on the Island who are facing isolation, financial hardship and mental health challenges, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation.
Karl Hart, of Men Only CIC, said:
“Thanks to the unwavering kindness and support of WightAID, we are proud to say that our winter goals are being realised.
"More men are walking through our doors, seeking warmth, connection, and relief from the harsh challenges of the cold and the cost-of-living crisis.”
Three groups received grants of £500 or less:
- Storeroom 2010 received £495 towards a heavy-duty sewing machine to enhance its upcycling and crafting activities. The group says the equipment will allow it to share valuable new skills and contribute to its shared goal of sustainability.
- Wroxall Woollies received £500 for wool fabric and craft materials to be used at its weekly coffee mornings for the local community. It makes items for charities on the Island and further afield as well as holding regular craft classes and Saturday morning markets.
- Daisy Chains was given £500 towards 30 Christmas hampers for the most disadvantaged Island families so they could have a decent meal and best possible time on Christmas Day.
Join WightAID at www.wightaid.org/donate.
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