We at Red Squirrel Property Shop acknowledge the spectacular work in which Age Uk Isle of Wight does, and thats why we sponsor their Penguin Plunge event. Being so close to Christmas we understand money can be a strain, and we understand that you need to focus on your own family.
However, the thought of an elderly person being alone at Christmas is the worst feeling, as everyone should feel loved and cared for, especially at this time of year. So sparing a little bit for this amazing charity makes all the difference.

The Penguin Plunge will be taking place on 17th of December at Appley Beach Ryde at 11am. Three staff members of Red Squirrel will be braving all and taking the plunge into the wintery sea. Each of us are doing it for our own reasons...

Emily- "I think this is such a great charity that helps and supports the elderly. And I believe that by taking part in this event and showing our support it not only gets more people involved and aware of the amazing work in which Age UK does but it also gives the charity encouragement to continue in what they do. 
A bit of cold water is nothing compared to the fantastic efforts in which Age Uk Isle of Wight do to help others."

Eileen- "The reason I am helping Age UK Isle of Wight with the Penguin Plunge is that it is a "fun" way to bring awareness to others to donate towards this very worthy cause...
Age UK IOW were very helpful to my Mum and other elderly people I know. In helping them make the most of later life, providing companionship, advice and support for the older people who need it the most..."

Charlie- "Personally I like to try and do as much as possible for both local and national charities, so when Age Uk IOW asked if I would sponsor both this and the cinema events I didn't think twice!
They do so much locally and nationally so well worth the jump in the lovely warm sea on the 17th December"

Age UK offer many services for the elderly such as help professionally and personally to allow the elderly to stay at home longer. They offer exercise classes, foot care, IT training, transport services and handyperson services.
These services make a massive difference to people, as it takes the worry and stress out of life. And allows them to have a friendly face, someone who they can rely on and trust. Its very important for people to feel like they have someone who they can talk to and who will be there for     them in their time of need.

  I spoke to Age UK Isle of Wight Fundraising Ambassador, Elisha who enlightened me on the amazing work the Charity does on our Island and what inspired her to get involved with the work Age UK Isle of Wight does.

  What inspired you to become a part of this charity?
 I am very passionate about the Isle of Wight, after hearing that we receive no national funding even though we have the highest demographic of elderly on the island and coming from a sales background I thought I could help. So I joined   the fundraising team.

  What do you believe is the best thing about this charity?
  I love that one of the main focuses of the charity is combating Social Isolation. 1 in 6 older people on the IOW live alone. Being lonely is as bad for you as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. 1 in 3 of older people consider the television     their main form of company.
We offer Active Network Social Clubs (in different Island localities doing group activities, quizzes etc.), we have a Men in Sheds project (for retired men who like to learn new skills and potter about whilst creating friendships), The Good Neighbourhood Scheme ( a befriending service ran by volunteers, popping/calling on those isolated, helping with errands etc.) and also offer digital inclusion courses helping older islanders keep in touch with family and friends through skype etc.

How many elderly people does this charity support on the Isle of Wight?
We receive over 50,000 calls a year seeking advice and directly help over 11,000 older islanders each year. Our information and advice service offers advice on benefits, allowances that older islander entitled to but not aware of, and help fill in the paperwork etc.

What does this charity supply on the Island?
Age UK Isle of Wight are dedicated to supporting older people on the Isle of Wight to live well in their later years. We provide advice. We combat Loneliness. We enable independence.
We offer a handyperson service, making their homes safer and Just About You service offering housework/errands/gardening etc. enabling them to stay at home for longer.

Do you have a lot of people who donate on the island or can it be hard to gather donations?
It can be very hard to get donations. There is some confusion over our charity as although we are a brand partner with the national AgeUK we don’t receive anything from them.
We are an independent, local charity working solely for the benefit of the IOW since 1973. The AgeUK charity shops across all the towns, don’t raise money for the island. That money leaves the island and goes to the national UK charity. Everything we (AgeUK Isle of Wight) raise stays on the island. So lots of people shop and donate to the shops thinking they are helping us, but actually aren’t helping the island at all.

It was very inspiring and eye opening to speak to Elisha, to get an insight into what the charity does, and how holding events such as the Penguin Plunge are so benificial to the charity.
Please come in to our Newport or Cowes office today and sponsor us on our Plunge. Or if your brave enough come in and get an application form to take part in the plunge! 

Tel: 01983 521212
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