If you are searching for a truly meaningful Christmas gift or an original alternative to sending out cards to friends and family this festive season, Manx Blind Welfare Society has the perfect solution.
For as little as ?25 your personal message could feature on the stunning Giving Tree at the Society’s headquarters in Onchan.
The Giving Tree was unveiled earlier this year as part of the Society’s 80th anniversary celebrations, to provide an opportunity for permanent tributes and recognition of support to be displayed.
The large wooden sculpture, which has taken pride of place at Corrin Court, was handmade by the Manx Workshop for the Disabled and funded by a special bequest.
Since April, people have been buying specially made acorns and leaves and having them engraved with a personal message to be added to the sculpture as a lasting commemoration of people’s support for the Society.
So far almost ?4,000 has been raised to fund the Society’s work providing free services and support for hundreds of blind and visually impaired people across the Isle of Man.
Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘This outstanding sculpture was not only a spectacular way to mark the Society’s 80th anniversary, but is also a lasting commemoration of people’s generosity supporting our work.
‘Individuals and organisations have been making donations in exchange for a leaf or an acorn and having them engraved with the names of people, organisations and businesses, memorial tributes or just simple messages. Whatever the words chosen, each has been added to the Giving Tree ensuring every contribution will always be part of our future.’
She added: ‘At this time of year we know many people decide to make donations to charity instead of sending out cards, and are looking for Christmas gifts they can give which have real meaning. Purchasing an acorn or leaf for the Giving Tree on behalf of a friend, family member or other loved one is not only a unique gift, which you can personalise with any message, but will also make a huge contribution to helping the Society continue providing vital services and support to visually impaired people around the Isle of Man.
‘Money raised by the Giving Tree helps fund the provision of assistive technology, sporting activities, social inclusion, our audio library and recorded news service, as well as many more life-enhancing services.’
To find out how you can contribute to the Giving Tree this Christmas, please 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.
