50th Anniversary Volunteers Party
Published on 15 July 2023 01:18 PM
AgeUK Isle of Wight honours its volunteers in 50th anniversary year!
On Thursday 6th July, AgeUK Isle of Wight held a tea party at Haseley Manor, Arreton, to honour its volunteers. The Island-based charity celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and back in 1973 was started by a group of people who decided to give up their spare time to help older Island residents.
Geoff Read, Chair of the Trustees, said: ‘We are a local, independent charity built on the efforts of volunteers and sustained by the generosity of Islanders willing to give up their time to help older Island residents and their families. We could not operate without them, so it’s fitting that we should show our appreciation, particularly in this our 50th year.’
Current High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas attended the celebration event and said: ‘The volunteers are the heart of the organisation; without them there would not be the support in the community.’
The volunteers attending on the day were thanked for their invaluable service to the charity and praised for their continued commitment to supporting older Island residents over the years.
Maria Bunce, Chief Operating Officer of AgeUK IW said: ‘Volunteering is at the core of what a charity is, and our volunteers' support and willingness to give their time enables us to deliver our mission and core values. We support people from age 50 upwards but our volunteers can be any age and we welcome anyone who would like to join us.
The event was attended by a large group of AgeUK IW’s volunteers as well as a number of Island business people known for their support of local charities and community groups.
All enjoyed a sunny afternoon in the beautiful grounds of Haseley Manor, with grateful thanks to owners, Anthony and Vivian Roberts, and to Rouse Limited who sponsored the event.
Image courtesy of the IW Observer