RNIB gets ‘izzy-wizzy’ to celebrate Sooty’s 75th anniversary in the UK

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 the estimated two million people living with sight loss 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.

Paul Goddard, who has sight loss, from East Sussex has been an RNIB Sooty Box Volunteer for thirteen years and says: “I thoroughly enjoy being a Sooty Box collector as I can do it in my own time and be my own boss. It’s great being able to choose when I go out and it’s lovely to get out and meet new people. I’m always staggered at the amounts the boxes raise and the generosity of the public; it’s wonderful to see.”

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.”

RNIB is calling people in the UK 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. For more information, please visit: www.rnib.org.uk/sooty.

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.”

Notes to editors

All media enquiries to Latifah Davis-Cole on 0207 391 2223 or [email protected]. For urgent enquiries out-of-hours, please call 07968 482812.

*Sooty’s 75th anniversary was on 19 July 2023. Richard Cadell will be doing live shows this year to mark the milestone.