Red Funnel Opens Applications For 2027 Charity Of The Year

Isle of Wight charities are being invited to apply for a year of fundraising and promotional support from Red Funnel.

Applications are now open for the ferry operator's 2027 Charity of the Year programme, with a deadline of Sunday 1 November.

The successful organisation will receive support to raise awareness of its work and generate funds for its cause.

Red Funnel launched the initiative in 2015 and says it has raised more than £385,000 for charities supporting the Island community.

Chief executive Fran Collins said the programme gave the company an opportunity to support organisations making a difference to local people.

Charities applying must be registered, have been operating for at least 12 months and support the Isle of Wight community.

They must also have an Island office and a fundraiser able to manage the partnership, as well as being able to provide promotional materials, volunteers and opportunities to support events.

Organisations that have been Red Funnel's Charity of the Year within the past seven years are not eligible.

Applications can be submitted through the company's website.

This year's chosen charity is Friends of the Animals, which has raised more than £13,000 during the first six months of its partnership.

The money has come from customer donations, fundraising activities and the sale of unclaimed lost property, alongside challenges undertaken by Red Funnel staff.

Three members of the team also took part in the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge, raising more than £1,000 for the charity.

Red Funnel has provided additional practical support, including food and treats for older animals through the charity's Golden Paws Club, help with marketing materials and support at the Isle of Wight Festival.

A charity football match against Island Roads raised a further £700 for Friends of the Animals.

The funds will help pay for veterinary treatment and preventative care for animals across the Island, as well as supporting owners struggling with the cost of looking after their pets.