Feed An Isle Of Wight Family This Christmas

Tuesday, 28 November 2023 13:15

‘Feed a Family’ – an initiative by Aspire Ryde, with support from Isle of Wight Radio – will relaunch next week.

The aim is for businesses to buy 100 hampers for those who may not be able to afford their Christmas food shop – and to spread some festive cheer! They can be purchased at £50 each — and will be distributed by the charity to families in need.

If you're a business and you want to give back to the community, you can get involved. Tune into Topping in the Morning on 107 and 102 FM on Tuesday, December 5th, when the team launches this year’s appeal. All you’ll have to do is ring Isle of Wight Radio on (01983) 822557 when the lines open at 7am.

Last November, Aspire Ryde first launched the appeal, with Isle of Wight Radio. The Isle of Wight community really showed what it was made of, with the phones ringing non-stop throughout the day, with kind local people and businesses wishing to pay for a hamper. Their money was then match funded by Aviva, raising over £20,000. This allowed the Aspire team to deliver 500 hampers at Christmas and in February.

Fundraising Manager, Karen Eeles, said: “We thought if we were lucky we would get 100 hampers! Live on air we launched our appeal. The response was amazing – over and above what we ever expected.

“We delivered before Christmas 200 fresh food hampers supplied to us by Cheverton Farm (Isle of Wight Meat Company). Then we managed to get match funding from Aviva. This enabled us to deliver another 300 at the end of January. This is a massive amount!

“With the help of volunteers and businesses across the Island, we managed to deliver these. Our thanks to Ryde Lions, WRS and volunteers who delivered them in time for Christmas and again when times are hard at the end of January.”

This year’s appeal will launch on Tuesday 5th December, on Isle of Wight Radio. Aspire Ryde will again be asking businesses or individuals to donate £50 for a hamper.

“We are keen to promote sustainability and are encouraging financially resilience in relation to finance, food and energy,” said Karen, “so with the support of Aviva again and match funding we are aiming to supply free air fryers and slow cookers with training and financial advice, promoting sustainability along with the hampers to support families in need; not just for Christmas but for the tough months to come.”

Feed An Isle Of Wight Family This Christmas

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