The Manx Blind Welfare Society has unveiled a locally made artwork which will serve as a commemoration of people’s support for the charity.
The Giving Tree is a large wooden sculpture which has taken pride of place in the society’s headquarters, Corrin Court in Onchan. Handmade by the Manx Workshop for the Disabled, it was funded by a bequest from Eric and Zenith Brettoner and created in celebration of the society’s 80th year – the ‘oak’ anniversary.
The society provides free services and support for hundreds of blind and visually impaired people.
Volunteers’ coordinator and events organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘It will not only mark our anniversary, but will also become a lasting way of commemorating people’s generosity in supporting our work. Individuals and organisations will be able to make a donation in exchange for a leaf or an acorn, which can be engraved with a personal message and added to the sculpture.
‘The engraving could be your name, the name of an organisation or business, a tribute in memory of someone or just a simple message. Whatever words you choose, it will be added to The Giving Tree meaning you will always be part of our future.’
Money raised by donations will help fund the support and services provided by the society, which include assistive technology, sporting activities, social inclusion, an audio library and the recorded news service.
Peter Hindley, general manager at Manx Workshop for the Disabled, said: ‘We were absolutely delighted to be approached by Manx Blind Welfare Society to work on this project. We’ve never made anything quite like The Giving Tree before, but we spoke to the society in detail about what they wanted and our member Brian Watterson carefully crafted something entirely bespoke. We think the final result looks stunning and a fitting tribute to 80 years of the society.’
To find out how you can contribute to The Giving Tree, with donations starting at £25, contact Debbie Thomson by emailing dthomson@mbws.org.im or calling 674727. Donation forms can also be collected from Corrin Court and downloaded from the society’s website www.mbws.org.im.
To find out more about the work of MBWS, visit www.mbws.org.im.