A scheme to help get businesses back up and running with the sale of protective face masks is also set to benefit local charities on the Island.
The ‘Business Bounce Back’ initiative is being supported by entrepreneur John Caulcutt and Yarmouth-based chandlery business Harwoods of Yarmouth and offers low cost protective face masks for use by Island businesses.
The masks, which are three-ply civil protection, disposable face masks conforming to British standards, have been generously supplied at cost by businessman John Caulcutt for sale to local businesses. Each mask will retail at £1 which covers costs and a 50 pence donation for every purchase to WightAid. Masks can be collected from the store, which is now open five days a week, with volunteers supporting local deliveries to the West Wight for those unable to collect supplies.
Jamie Sheldon, owner of Harwoods of Yarmouth said: “With more businesses preparing to open up from mid-June, many are having to consider how they can offer a safe environment both for their staff and their customers.
“From changing their layouts, to looking at the way people move around their premises and ensuring they have sufficient PPE for their staff. Thanks to John’s generous support we hope that by offering these items for sale at cost, we can help people kickstart their businesses once more.
Geoff Underwood, founder of the WightAid Foundation said: “Many people will be aware that charities have also been hard hit during this difficult period. We are extremely grateful to John and to Harwoods of Yarmouth for adding a donation through these sales to the WightAid Foundation which will help us support charities to get back on their feet too.”
Jamie added: “We have just taken delivery of 1,500 masks and are expecting a further 5,000 in the coming days and a constant, regular supply for as long as we need them. We are limiting purchases to a maximum of 200 per business, just to ensure we have enough for every business that needs them. We would ask businesses to pre-order in advance by calling us on 01983 760258 and we can then let them know when they are ready for collection.”
The WightAid Foundation and its business partners have helped grant over £300,000 to over 108 different charities on the Island since its launch in 2016. In recent months it has also spearheaded and coordinated a crisis appeal for charities supporting some of the most vulnerable people on the Island during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The appeal has so far raised £47,000.
