Fundraising should be a piece of cake for Red Funnel’s new Charity of the Year

The New Year brings a new cause for Red Funnel, as Newport-based Friends of the Animals has been crowned the ferry operator’s Charity of the Year 2026. After receiving dozens of local charity nominations from residents, Red Funnel colleagues voted to support the animal charity and its mission to help all creatures great and small. 

Founded more than 30 years ago from a dining table, Friends of the Animals provides vital care for pets and wildlife in need, a cause close to the hearts of Red Funnel’s team. As families across the UK face rising costs, demand for animal welfare support is soaring. Red Funnel hopes this partnership will help animals and their families across the Island community.  

Speaking on the new partnership, CEO Fran Collins, said: “Friends of the Animals does incredible work, and we are proud to be supporting them throughout 2026.

“What makes this partnership even more special is that it was chosen by our team, many of whom understand the deep connection people have with their pets, and the mental health benefits and comfort they bring to our lives.”

From emergency veterinary treatment to helping families keep their beloved animals healthy, the charity plays an important role within the Isle of Wight community. With 90% of its work powered by volunteers, Friends of the Animals continues to make a lasting impact for animals and the people who love them. 

Helen Sinclair MBE, founder of Friends of the Animals, said: “What a delight to receive the wonderful telephone call, telling us Red Funnel had chosen us as their ‘Charity of the Year 2026’!  

“For almost 36 years, Friends of the Animals has been helping, sick, injured and unwanted animals; including everything from dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, farm animals, small furries such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchilla’s, plus wildlife and all manner of birds including swans. 

“By concentrating on ‘preventative’ work, we’re helping thousands of people too. Our Pet Food Bank has handed out almost two million items of food, and we recently passed our 46,000th spay/neuter. Plus, thousands more animals have been wormed and inoculated by us, often for the first time in their lives.  

“Friends of the Animals is frequently an animals’ very last chance at life, and we are all super-excited to have the opportunity to work with the fabulous Red Funnel team, as we know their size, prominence and expertise is going to translate into life-saving help for a lot more animals.” 

Over the next 12 months, Red Funnel will fundraise to support the charity through events and initiatives, as well as accepting customer donations at collection points in terminals and onboard.

Red Funnel’s outgoing 2025 Charity of the Year was Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and together they have raised over £42,000. After a remarkable year supporting the charity, Red Funnel is turning the page and embracing a new partnership that will make a difference for animals. 

-ENDS-

Notes to editors
About Red Funnel
Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with roots tracing back to 1820. Based in the UK port of Southampton, Red Funnel carries 2.3m passengers and over 800,000 vehicles on its ferry route between the UK port of Southampton and East Cowes and 1.1m passengers between Southampton and West Cowes on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service.

In addition to ferry travel, Red Funnel is the only cross-Solent operator to offer ferry inclusive bonded holiday accommodation, attraction tickets, festival and event tickets and activity packages. Sub-brands include ‘Red Jet’ (the Hi-Speed passenger only ferry service serving West Cowes) and its on board café, ‘ReFuel’.  

The Company is a founding member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation. Red Funnel is also proud to sponsor and support most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Wight Proms, and Walk the Wight alongside a wide range of other community and niche interest events. 

For more information, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk.