Age UK Isle of Wight is calling on the Island’s knitters, crocheters and craft groups to help make 20,000 little hats for the much-loved innocent Big Knit campaign, with the aim of raising £6,000 to support older Islanders.
Just over two weeks after the innocent Big Knit launched, Age UK Isle of Wight has already collected more than 2,000 little hats, taking it over 10% of the way towards its 20,000-hat target. The charity would like to thank the Island’s knitters and crocheters for their creativity, generosity and enthusiasm in getting the campaign off to such a strong start.
Building on a record year
The appeal follows the previous campaign’s record collection of 18,794 hats, which far exceeded the charity’s 12,500 target.
This time, returning supporters and first-time participants are being invited to help reach an even bigger goal.
Where the money goes
Through the partnership between innocent drinks and Age UK, every smoothie sold wearing a little hat generates a 30p donation. Hats contributed through Age UK Isle of Wight will help raise money for its work on the Island.
These funds will help support Age UK Isle of Wight’s Chatty Brews, which bring people together for conversation and companionship; The Information and Signposting service, helping older residents and their families find support; and Digital Drop-ins, offering friendly help with phones, tablets and other technology.
Joe Hodgkinson, Marketing and Digital Communications Officer at Age UK Isle of Wight, said,
“Island knitters gave us a wonderful response last time, and we’d love to build on that together. Reaching 20,000 hats would raise £6,000 to help us continue supporting older people here on the Isle of Wight.
“Whether you make one hat or get a whole group involved, every contribution towards our target is welcome.”
Nicki Garland, Head of UK&I at innocent drinks UK, said,
“The Big Knit is an amazing campaign that inspires people throughout the country to knit and crochet little hats, and gives drinkers a simple way to support a cause that truly matters. We are so excited that the Big Knit is back for yet another exciting campaign to help older people live well.”
How to take part
Beginners are welcome, with free knitting and crochet patterns available for different abilities. Families, workplaces, schools and community groups can all take part.
Where to send your hats
Completed hats can be posted or delivered to Age UK Isle of Wight, 17 St Thomas’ Square, Newport, PO30 1SL. Please include a note with your name, the number of hats and contact details so the charity can thank you.
To support the local charity, please send hats directly to this address rather than to national Age UK shops on the Island as the charity does not benefit from these.
Hats are being collected now. A local hand-in deadline will be announced ahead of the national deadline of 1 October 2027. The hats will appear on smoothie bottles in early 2028.
For patterns and information, visit the Age UK Isle of Wight website or email [email protected].
News shared by Joe on behalf of Age UK Isle of Wight. Ed
