How Ross-shire Journal crossword crackers are helping RNIB charity's sight loss mission – with a little help from Glenmorangie
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STAMPS saved from entries to a popular Ross-shire Journal crossword competition will be used to help people living with sight loss.
The crossword, which is sponsored by the Tain-based Glenmorangie distillery, offers a 10-year-old bottle of malt weekly to the lucky winner (aged 18 and over).
The majority of entries come by mail and the used stamps clipped from envelopes can generate much-needed funding for Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the charity committed to helping blind and partially sighted people.
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RNIB can raise about £20 per kilogramme of stamps collected.
Everything raised through the stamp appeal goes back to helping RNIB run services which support blind and partially sighted people.
I chose the charity because my own late dad suffered from macular degeneration, a degenerative condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula) and resulting in distortion or loss of central vision. He was ultimately registered blind but continued to live a remarkably independent life thanks to his resilience and suitable support from people able to help him adapt to his new circumstances.
While there can only be one winner of the crossword prize each week, this way everyone sending in an entry can know they are contributing to a worthwhile cause. Hopefully a win-win!
I'll spread the word around our offices and will soon doubtless become a repository for used stamps from the general mail.
Annette Mackenzie at The Glenmorangie Visitor Centre in Tain said it was "delighted that we can help this charity and encourage readers to continue to send in their entries by post".
If you fancy getting involved in your own right, read on...
Why do RNIB collect stamps?
The stamp appeal is year-round, but at Christmas it’s an especially busy time. Lots more post is sent in the festive season so it’s a brilliant time to collect a lot of stamps which RNIB can convert into donations.
What stamps are accepted?
Any and all types of stamps are collected. It doesn’t matter how old they are, or how new, or what country they are from. Many people think older stamps are more valuable, but in recent years, collectors have seen a preference for newer stamps, making them more valuable.
How do I send my collected stamps into RNIB?
You can order a free pre-paid collection envelope or box to send your stamps. Carefully cut around stamps (don’t peel them) and collect them in your envelope or box to send back to RNIB. The more stamps, the merrier. Supporters could even leave a collection box at their office or local school to fill up. As soon as it’s ready to return, it can be sent back to us to convert into donations.
How much is raised?
RNIB can raise about £20 per kilogramme of stamps collected.
Everything raised through the stamp appeal goes back to helping RNIB run its services which support blind and partially sighted people.
At Christmas, for example, by supporting RNIB with your stamps, you can help make good things happen for children, like ensuring they receive a letter from Santa in a format they can read.
Get involved at: https://rnib.in/stamps
Like to get involved with your own collection?
Step 1: Get pre-paid collection envelopes or boxes for your stamps by completing the request form, or by calling 0330 002 0051 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or email fundraising@rnib.org.uk.
Step 2: Start collecting stamps as they come through your post box or at your work. Stamps don't need to be thoroughly sorted, but it helps if you can separate them into British and foreign stamps (Channel Islands and Isle of Man count as foreign). Make sure you leave a centimetre of envelope or packaging around each stamp. This is just a recommendation and stamps that have been trimmed less or more will still be accepted.
Step 3: Pack up your envelope or box and pop it in the post using pre-paid address labels.
To try your hand cracking the Glenmorangie-sponsored Ross-shire Journal crossword, pick up a copy of the paper and head for the letters page.
