Age UK Isle Of Wight Announces Record Achievement In Big Knit Campaign

Age UK Isle of Wight (AUKIW) hit a record figure for this year’s Big Knit campaign, with thanks to knitters across the Island.

The Big Knit in collaboration with Innocent Drinks encourages knitters to make little hats

that will be worn and sold on Innocent’s smoothie bottles. For each hat created locally, Innocent Drinks will be donating 30p to the Island’s local and independent Age UK Isle of Wight.

In October 2024, AUKIW launched with an ambitious local goal of 12,500 hats. Announcing in May (2025) they had reached their target two months early; the charity has now announced that they reached an incredible total of 18,794 hats collected by the campaign end this July (2025) – exceeding their target by more than half.

“Our campaign's success, which exceeded our expectations, was made possible through the support and enthusiasm of the local community of knitters.

"Special thanks to our dedicated volunteers, Susan and Alfie, who counted each hat, helping us celebrate our best year yet.” – Cally Trott, Big Knit Lead IW.

The charity is fortunate to have the support of Gordy’s Wood, who will be ensuring no hat goes to waste.

Gordy will be selling the additional 6,000+ hats alongside his handmade wooden snowies from his shop at Arreton Barns.

For each snowy sold with one of AUKIW’s knitted hats, Gordy will donate £1 back to the

charity.

More information can be found on AUKIW’s website (www.ageukiw.org.uk).

Hats will be available on Innocent’s smoothie bottles in various retail outlets starting in October 2025.