Isle of Wight fundraiser for Ukraine at Quay Arts on Sunday

Quay Arts will again host the day of music by Isle of Wight artists on Sunday (February 26).

The day-long session of music is organised by local jazz pianist Jim Thorn and features many different acts from around the Island who have volunteered to play free of charge, including Paul Armfield, Damien Paul and his band, star tenor saxophonist Cameron Rossi, Isle of Wight music legend Brian Sharpe and many more acts ranging from traditional jazz and folk, to afrobeat and latin jazz.

In 2022 the event raised more than £5,500 for East Cowes-based charity MAD-Aid. 

Damien Paul and his band. (Image: Simon Clark.)

In 2022, eight truckloads (100 tonnes) of medical equipment from UK hospitals were recycled and delivered to strategically placed hospitals in Moldova, where there were many Ukrainian refugees.

MAD-Aid also collected and shipped 26 trucks of general aid (clothes, blankets, food) during 2022 with more than 250 tonnes of food, clothing and other items.  

This reached more than 200,000 refugees and in total, MAD-Aid collected and delivered over £2.4 million in medical and humanitarian aid during 2022.

Read more: 

• Meet the new faces at MAD-Aid
• MP Bob Seely visits MAD-Aid centre in Moldova 

MAD-Aid supported Ukrainian refugees at its Phoenix Centre and at the Dumintru Musteata Centre, both in Moldova.

More than 250 people passed through the two centres in 2022, mostly mothers and children.

The charity also worked with partners in Moldova to stop human trafficking and abuse; and helped to provide funding for summer camps for Ukrainian children who had fled to Moldova.

On the Island, Ukrainian refugees arriving here during 2022 could pick clothing and other items for free from the MAD-Aid Pop-Up Shop in East Cowes.

The charity also worked with Community Action Isle of Wight to organise several celebratory events for Ukrainians on the Island, including Christmas celebrations. An Easter event for Ukrainians is planned too.

MAD-Aid also hosts Ukrainian social group weekly meetings in the MAD-Aid community room in East Cowes.

Jim Thorn said: "The charity’s work for Ukrainians is ongoing and will continue throughout the crisis, so MAD-Aid will be collecting donations on the day, and it is hoped a generous amount can be raised while also enjoying a great day of varied Isle of Wight music."