02/06/2026
Local charities were delighted with donations from Stokes Bay WI.
What better way can there be to raise money, than while having fun! That’s the way members of Stokes Bay WI fundraise – they enjoy quizzes, musical afternoons, fascinating speakers, jam and chutney making for the Michaelmas Fayre and challenges of all sorts as long as there are cakes, cakes and more homemade cakes during every event!
The way the charities are selected is as democratic as you would expect a WI to be. We 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 we 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 22% 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.
What great charities to support and we were particularly happy to support Freyja Press, our youngest member in Stokes Bay WI, who is part of Level-Up Gosport.
