Daisie Rich Trust celebrates the work of Island charities and volunteers

After almost 70 years of supporting Isle of Wight good causes with regular donations, the Daisie Rich Trust has celebrated the work of Island charities and volunteers.

The trust joined forces with Geoff Leather, Independent Funeral Directors, to celebrate the charities and thank the hardworking volunteers involved.

An evening reception, sponsored by Geoff Leather Independent Funeral Directors and HV Taylor and Son, was attended by more than 70 people, including representatives from 30 Island charities.

Chair of trustees, Claire Locke, praised the work of the wide range of charitable causes which receive funding from The Daisie Rich Trust, including health support groups, community services, youth projects and the trust’s unique People in Crisis Programme.

She said the trust’s aim was to make the Island an even better place to live and work by getting help to those who need it, supporting a vibrant arts and cultural life, caring for the environment and investing in young people.

Shanklin Voluntary Youth and Community Centre was presented with a certificate for its exceptional, longstanding contribution to the IW community.

The centre has worked in partnership with the Daisie Rich Trust for 28 years, since 1996.

Richard Priest accepted the award on behalf of SVYCC.

He said: "‘Seeing so many truly grassroots organisations was really heartening. We can’t understate the difference Daisie Rich has made, especially in the very early days. Thank you again for the support in the challenging years."

Also thanking the Daisie Rich Trust were Laura Stichbury from The Footprint Trust and Alan Taylor from the IW Prostate Cancer Support Group.

The Daisie Rich Trust was established in 1955 and has made charitable donations totalling £4 million to date.