Manx Blind Welfare Society, which provides vital services for more than 600 people with serious sight loss on the Isle of Man, is holding its annual flag day on June 20th.

More than 60 staff and volunteers will be involved in collecting in Douglas and Onchan, and there are opportunities for you to support the Society with both donations and your spare time.

The street collections are an important part of the charity’s fundraising, bringing in money to help pay for the comprehensive range of services and support MBWS offers to the visually impaired on the Island.

At Corrin Court in Onchan, the charity operates a talking book library, a recording studio producing a weekly news service, computer training room, specialist equipment room and a spacious dining and social room. The Society also provides home and hospital visits and social events throughout the year. Apart from a subsidised charge for lunches and afternoon teas, all services are provided free of charge.

While working closely with other Isle of Man sight impairment service organisations, the Society is financially independent of Government, relying entirely upon fundraising, donations and legacies for its services.

Last year, street collections raised more than ?8,300 and Volunteers Coordinator and Events Organiser Debbie Kenyon hopes that figure can be beaten in 2014.

She said: ‘Many fundraising events and initiatives are organised throughout the year to help us fund the vital services we provide in the Isle of Man, and our annual flag day collections are a big part of that.

‘This year our staff and volunteers will be out and about on the streets of Douglas and Onchan on June 20th asking the public to continue their kind and generous support. If you see one of our collection boxes, please do donate anything you can spare as every penny really does make a difference.

‘Of course, the more people we have out there collecting, the more money we can raise. If you are aged over 16 and are interested in helping us for whatever time you can spare please call me on 674727 or email dkenyon@mbws.org.im.’

She added: ‘If you cannot help on June 20th, but would like volunteer for the Society or make a donation, please feel free to get in touch at any time.’

The Society will also be on the fairfield at St John’s on Tynwald Day, explaining its services, collecting donations and selling its stunning 2015 calendar featuring spectacular photos of the Isle of Man.

To find out more about MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.