Naomi shares this latest news from the Oddfellows. Ed
Local friendship group, the Oddfellows has kick-started a new year of fundraising for good causes by giving £100 each to charities the Alzheimer’s Society and the Island’s YMCA Young Carers Project.
Maretta Heap, Secretary for the Isle of Wight’s Oddfellows Vecta Branch, said,
“It’s a long-standing tradition for us to choose a charity to support each year. We raise money alongside our regular social events through activities such as raffles and quizzes, and often our members give personal donations too.
“We had real difficulty choosing just one for this year, so we decided to back two – ones that support both ends of the age spectrum, as we’re a society for everyone of all ages.”
Rely on generosity of people like the Oddfellows
Natalie Bettinson, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser for Hampshire and the Islands, said,
“It’s great that Oddfellows are supporting Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia can happen to anyone and there is currently no cure. But with the right support, people can live well with dementia.
“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of people like the Oddfellows to help us continue our vital work so that Alzheimer’s Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.”
Trudie Augustus-Harris from the YMCA Fairthorne Group which runs the local Young Carer’s project, added,
“There are many people under 18 on the Island who are depended on to look after and support members of their family who are unwell. Rest assured, this £100 will be put to great use as we give vital support back to them.”
Join others at coffee morning
The Young Carer’s initial £100 donation was presented to Trudie by Oddfellows Trustee Dave Phipps at the Oddfellows’ Coffee Morning on 17 May.
The group’s next regular Coffee Morning will be held at 10am on 7 June at the Society’s hall at 20 St Thomas Square in Newport. The event features guest speaker Amy Milford from the ‘My Life a Full Life’ project, who will be discussing changes to health services on the Island. Attendance is free and open to all.
To find out more about this event and other activities run by the Oddfellows on the Isle of Wight, call Maretta on 01983 523115 or email [email protected].
