This Friday (15th February) sees Go Orange Day return to the Isle of Wight.
It’s the annual fundraising and awareness campaign for the Independent Lifeboats. All Independent Lifeboat stations across the Island rely on public donations and unpaid volunteers to operate, so campaigns such as Go Orange Day are vital to their survival.
Mark Birch from Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat has kindly sent through a schedule of Go Orange activities and events taking place over the coming days.
First up, if you’re travelling by Red Funnel, the East Cowes terminal is going orange, and will be all weekend. The staff will be dressing in orange and collecting and raising awareness for the Independent Lifeboats around the Island.
Orange Mufti
Gatten & Lake, Shanklin C of E, The Bay C of E and Broadlea Primary are all taking part in fundraising activities on Friday by holding Orange Mufti days.
Why not go along to the Dance Yourself Dizzy Disco taking place on Saturday (16th February) at Holliers Hotel, Old Village Shanklin.
As in previous years, there’ll be collections at Morrison’s Lake and Shanklin Regent Street for both Friday and Saturday, with lifeboats at both locations.
Ryde Independent Lifeboat
Ryde Independent Lifeboat will be out and about in the town on Friday too.
Look out for the collections throughout Ryde Town Centre and one of the lifeboats in the Square by Co-op from 9am until 5pm.
The other Ryde lifeboat will be heading to Greenmount School from 8am and will then move off and sit at Hover travel slip until 5pm, raising awareness and hopefully funds for the lifeboat station.
Night Owls
For the night owls, a collection starting at 9pm in Ryde High St and heading to the Union Street area will aim to pick up support from night-time revellers.
On Saturday there’ll be a charity Salsa Dance at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
Tickets are £5 which includes a buffet. It takes place from 7.30pm until midnight. Buy your tickets in advance from the Isle of Wight Salsa website.
Way out West
The Freshwater Independent Lifeboat also have events taking place to raise money and awareness.
Lots of shops and the Banks in Freshwater are Going Orange. The Sugar Loaf Cafe in Avenue Road, Freshwater is selling a special Go Orange Cake to raise funds for the lifeboat on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th.
On Friday the Broadway Inn in Totland will be holding a Quiz Night. Why not head down for a great night out. Starts at 9pm.
On Saturday 16th, The Sun Inn at Hulverstone will be holding a Go Orange Karaoke night from 9pm with a prize for best singer and best orange outfit.
Also on Saturday, there’s a Disco at the West Wight Social Club, Avenue Road, Freshwater.
On Friday and Saturday the Conservative Club in Freshwater is holding a Go Orange Pool competition over two days.
Get crew to pack your bags
On Saturday, lifeboat crew will be bag packing at the Co-op and Sainsbury in Freshwater to raise funds for the lifeboat station.
Finally, Marvins Estate Agents, is also Going Orange. Look out for their section in the County Press Property section. Crew member Anthony Roper will be at work in the afternoon at the Marvins office, 55 School Green Road, Freshwater on Sat in full kit.
Whatever you decide to do on Friday or over the weekend to support the Independent Lifeboats, have a great time.
