They have been a familiar sight around the Isle of Man for many years, but now the colourful ‘Sooty’ charity collection boxes are being gathered together for a makeover.

Manx Blind Welfare Society has decided it is time to give the collection boxes new labels, carry out any repairs and replace any which are damaged.

The charity will be collecting boxes from some locations, but would also like to hear from you if you have an old Sooty collection box or have seen one.

MBWS Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘Children’s TV favourite Sooty has fronted our public collections for many years, and will continue to do so, but we think it is time to give him a makeover.

‘Most of our collection boxes in shops, pubs and restaurants around the Island are looked after by our volunteers, and we will be asking them to bring in those boxes for new labels and any repairs.

‘However, we think over the years some boxes may have fallen out of use and may be under counters, in cupboards or even sitting in people’s homes. If you have one, or know where one is, please just let us know so we can give it a new label and get it back out raising vital funds for our work with the blind and visually impaired in the Isle of Man.’

She added: ‘Sooty is an important part of our fundraising, and we are very grateful to everyone who has looked after a collection box for us. They will soon be back in their usual spots, and if anyone else would like to give Sooty a home, and help us continue our work, we’d be delighted to hear from them.’

The new labels will feature the updated Manx Blind Welfare Society logo and photographs reflecting the diverse ranges of services and support the charity offers visually impaired people in the Isle of Man free of charge.

The Society is financially independent of government and relies entirely on fundraising, donations and legacies to continue its work.

If you have a Sooty collection box, or know where one is, please contact Debbie by emailing dthomson@mbws.org.im or calling 674727.

To find out more about the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.

Photo -Sooty collection boxes are being collected ahead of a makeover (Courtesy of Steve Babb).