Crossroads Care are turning the island blue for a day in celebration of the charity’s 30 years of service.

The island-wide initiative, supported by Isle of Man Newspapers, is set to take place on November 9 to raise funds towards its £30,000 appeal.

All schools, businesses and organisations are invited to participate by wearing something in the colour blue for a £1 donation.

Other fundraisers for the Manx charity will also be held on the day, such as bake sales and collections.

The charity launched the initiative, coined ’Blue Day’, with the help of technology and telecoms provider Wi-Manx which has already donated £500 towards the appeal.

It is hoped that the fundraising day will see at least £5,000 being donated.

Fundraising events coordinator for Crossroads, Megan Faragher, said: ’We are delighted to be working with Wi-Manx on this exciting project and would like to thank them for their generous donation and support.’

Crossroads has provided practical and emotional support to carers living in the island since it first began its services in 1988. The services are split into care for adults and children to help families or carers who are looking after someone of any age that has a disability, illness, addiction or any other care requirement.

Crossroads recently celebrated its 30th birthday Ball at the start of this month to commend the work that has been done through the organisation’s staff, volunteers and carers over the years.

The event was hailed a ’huge success’ as £5,500 was raised towards its target amount of £30,000.

Previously Jackie Betteridge, chief executive of Crossroads, said: ’The £30,000 will make a massive difference to continue to develop these services that we already run.

’Any tiny amount that anybody can raise doing anything in the community would be wonderful.’

Those who attended the ball at Woodbourne House in Douglas enjoyed a drinks reception and a three course meal, along with entertainment such as the Fun Casino, a raffle, a silent cake auction and pass the parcel.

This month the charity are hosting its annual ’Spooktacular’ fundraising event at Curragh’s Wildlife Park.

Children who go in fancy dress on October 30 or October 31 will be allowed free entry into the park, where they can get involved in a number of activities.

These include: Hubble Bubble painting; Spooky Slime; Bubbling Cauldrons; Dare to Touch the Witches Brew; Create an Eerie Halloween Jar and Ghost Bowling.

The Halloween-themed event begins at 10am and ends at 4pm each day, with tickets priced at £4 for two activities, £6 for three, £7 for four and £10 for six activities.

Crossroads are currently looking for volunteers to help out over the two days.

Megan said: ’This is a perfect opportunity for any organisations who have a day to volunteer and want to help the local community, or individuals who have some time on their hands during half term and are looking to make a difference.’

Schools and businesses that are interested in taking part in the Blue Day need to confirm their participation by contacting Megan at [email protected] or Sarah Read on [email protected].

Those wanting to volunteer for Spooktacular can also contact Megan.