More than 80 guests joined the Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight recently to celebrate another successful year for the Isle of Wight Community Fund (IWCF), and see the launch of its new Island Hundred scheme.
The Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Martin White, was joined by the High Sheriff Peter Kingston, Council chairman Ian Stephens, local dignitaries, business leaders, charitable groups and donors at a special reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
As the IWCF’s President, the Lord-Lieutenant said “the dedicated team behind the Community Fund has made 2010 another strong year for the IWCF, with its funding resulting in a definite positive impact within communities across the Island. We hope to build on this success with the launch of the Island Hundred initiative.”
How Island Hundred will work
The scheme aims to sign up a hundred individuals and businesses who donate either £250 or £500 a year for a minimum of 3 years, creating a funding pot of £70,000 which will go directly to good causes on the Island. Those who join will be able to have a say on where the money gets distributed, and use the Island Hundred logo on their stationary. On the night 2 new members joined, Stuart Quarrie and Isle of Wight Pearl.
Addressing the guests chairman of the IWCF Chris Martin announced that since its launch in 2008 the IWCF had added over half a million pounds to the endowments which benefit the Island. “Inevitably spending cuts mean that community based charitable funds will be increasingly important; especially so in a community like the Island where local groups demonstrate time and again that with modest resources they can make a big difference to peoples’ lives and futures.”
Details of awards presented
Guests to the event at the Royal Yacht Squadron were also able to hear first hand from groups who had received grants from the IWCF, including the Foyer in Ryde who used their grant to run a weekly job club and life skills sessions for both residents and youngsters from the local community.
On display at the Royal Yacht Squadron was one of the limited edition prints of the opening match at Newclose County Cricket Ground, which are being sold to raise funds for the Brain Gardener Grassroots IW Cricket Fund. With every picture purchased Brian will donate a further £400. Added to this gift aid and the match funding from the Grassroots Endowment Challenge, each print adds £1,000 to the fund. 6 copies were bought by guests at the IWCF reception, generating £6,000 for the fund which ultimately hopes to raise £250,000.
Summing up Chairman Chris Martin added “I urge anyone who wants to support their community to get in touch with us. The Isle of Wight Community Fund is here to help local people support the local causes and charities that they care about.”
Anyone who would like more information or are interested in becoming a member of the Island Hundred scheme, should contact Krissy Lloyd on 07563 594307.
More details about the Isle of Wight Community Fund can be found on their website
