Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2018 | Page 41

Charity News Talk with the animals Newport’s primate rescue centre Monkey Haven is a special place that not only makes the lives of animals lives happier – it also makes people happy in the process. It couldn’t be easier to support this charity - you can simply go along to the Haven, and have a great day out. All the money you spend will be used to support the gorgeous rescued animals, including Gibbons, Siamangs, Lemurs, birds of prey, reptiles, and the always- popular cheeky Meerkats. While you’re there, don’t miss the Keeper Talks and Feeds, where you can find out how these creatures ended up in this peaceful sanctuary. Many of them have experienced terrible trauma, such as being smuggled through customs, or abused – but all of them can now be seen displaying normal behaviour, thanks to the care that they receive. To give additional help, you can adopt a furry friend and receive a bundle of goodies from just £10. You can also support this Island charity by digging deep and donating your home-grown veg for the animals to munch on. Your support helps the Haven to care for the creatures you’ll meet – and will enable them to rescue even more in the future. You can find Monkey Haven on Staplers Road, Newport, PO30 2NB. Tel: 01983 530885. Visit monkeyhaven.org. You shall go to the ball! The enthusiastic fund- raising team at Ryde’s Co-operative Funeralcare have come up with their biggest idea yet – a glamorous charity ball at the Lakeside Hotel in Wootton Bridge, to be held on September 22. The dressed-up ‘do’ will include a three-course dinner, live music and dancing, plus a raffle and auction – and all proceeds will go to the Ryde Funeralcare branch’s local charity partner, the Phoenix Project, which offers services to adults with learning difficulties. Funeral co-ordinators Sam Walker and Lesley Borton, who have previously helped to run charity quiz events, race nights and car washes in aid of the Phoenix Project and other local charities, say they have high hopes for the success of the ball, and say that it may become an annual event on their fund-raising calendar. Local businesses are already getting involved by generously donating raffle prizes and auction lots, and tickets for the ball are now on sale. For bookings or more information, call 01983 615746. www.visitilife.com 41