The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) celebrates Sooty’s 75th anniversary by launching a new Sooty Collection Box, which has been given a modernised glow-up.
Sooty, the loveable bear and national treasure, has been a feature on RNIB’s collection boxes for over fifty years. The funds raised during this time have been millions, enabling the charity to support people with sight loss in Scotland and across the UK.
Continuing the momentum of Sooty’s 75th anniversary, RNIB has updated the Sooty boxes to reflect the 21st century. The sleek design includes brighter colours and a QR code that allows people to make a cashless donation by using their mobile phone to scan the code, which then leads donors to a donation page on their device’s browser. Supporters can choose any amount they would like to donate as well as registering for Gift Aid.
Since 1955, Sooty has entertained generations of children through stage shows and TV. Sooty was famously discovered by Harry Corbett and has since been performed by Matthew Corbett, and now, Richard Cadell, with the catchphrase, “izzy whizzy, let’s get bizzy.” Sooty has been a lifelong friend to many.
Ross Ferguson (41) from Glasgow, has recently taken on the volunteer role of an RNIB Sooty Box Collector and says: “Through my work, we are allowed 24 hours a year to volunteer, and there was only one place I wanted to volunteer – RNIB – because my gran had been partially sighted and she received a lot of help from them. I wanted to give that support back.
“I called up RNIB, and they were looking for Sooty Box Collectors and I thought I could do that since it was a bit different from my day job. I did the induction and reference check, and then I set off to check on the list of collection boxes in my area. I also asked for boxes to [be] put in new locations, so I’ve added 16 new shops to my list and I’ll check on them in a year’s time or sooner if they call me.
“Everyone is so friendly, they chat away to you while you’re emptying the boxes. I really enjoy getting out and about to places I’ve might never have been before, and at the end of the day, you’re doing it for a good cause.”
RNIB Scotland are calling for people particularly in Glasgow, Dumfries and Ayrshire to join the community of incredible volunteer Sooty Box Collectors to help find a home for Sooty and raise funds for blind and partially sighted people. Ross adds, “You feel better for volunteering, you’re giving back and you feel as if you achieve something. It’s something I look forward to, and I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.”
Richard Cadell, actor and screenwriter, who is best known for being the in-vision presenter and the hand of puppet Sooty, said: “Sooty is a lifelong friend of RNIB and continues to raise vital funds every year to support blind and partially sighted people. Sooty and I are thrilled to see the next generation of Sooty Boxes continue the journey of raising awareness of such a worthy cause.”
Neil Grainey, Senior Stewardship Manager, said: “RNIB is incredibly lucky to have a network of amazing volunteers across the UK who dedicate their time to place our iconic Sooty Boxes in their local community. We’re thrilled to begin finding homes for our fantastic new Sooty Boxes, as well as being able to offer our supporters the option to make a cashless donation too.”
