Stokes Bay WI confirm support for two local charities
By Pam Marsden
STOKES BAY WI have confirmed that two important local charities have benefited from money raised by members across multiple fun activities; including quizzes, musical afternoons, fascinating speakers, jam / chutney making for the Michaelmas Fayre and challenges alongside the promise of homemade cake at every event.
Charities are selected in democratic ways as readers can expect from any WI. They have ‘hustings’ where members can suggest the charity of their choice and the benefits they could receive. Following that there is a vote of all members and the group quite often choose two charities for the forthcoming year and that is what happened here.
For 2025-2026 members selected Rowans Hospice as one of their chosen charities, recognising the vital support it provides to adults living with life-limiting illnesses and to their families across the local community. The other charity chosen for 2025-2026 was Level-Up Gosport, which helps young people who face additional needs to achieve their best potential.
Angela MacCallum from Stokes Bay WI said: “It was great to meet the beneficiaries from the two charities at our AGM when members heard first-hand how much their fundraising would be of benefit. Each charity received £1728.50 from us.”
Lily Stokes, Community & Events Fundraising Assistant for Rowans Hospice, explained that the charity relies heavily on community support to continue providing vital care. With only twenty-two percent of its funding coming from the NHS, they must raise an additional £23,700 every day to maintain its services – something made possible through the generosity and fundraising efforts of organisations such as Stokes Bay WI.
The charity Level-Up Gosport is dedicated to empowering young people including those with mental health challenges, anxiety or SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) helping members to form friendships, transition to independence and secure employment.
Members agreed that these were great charities to support and were particularly happy to support Freyja Press, who is their youngest member and part of Level-Up Gosport.
Stokes Bay WI meet in the Parish Centre Alverstoke on the third Tuesday of the month, with each session running from 10am to 12pm with interesting meetings, outings and special events. Readers can see more information on membership or arranging a visit by clicking www.stokesbaywi.co.uk.
PICTURED BY STOKES BAY WI (LEFT TO RIGHT): Freyja Press, Angela MacCallum, Sue Wright, Sophie Goddard and Jason Too pose for photograph before receiving cheque for Level Up Gosport.
