Charity launches fund-raising appeal for new home

Published18th December 2017

Ipswich charity Families in Need (FIND), which provides thousands of food parcels to people in crisis each year, has launched an appeal to raise £100,000 for a new base in Ipswich. 

The FIND 50 Lifeline Appeal is calling for 50 workplaces, schools, groups or individuals to each raise £2,000 in 2018 so the vital work of FIND can continue.

The East of England Co-op, a long-term supporter of the charity, has been working with Ipswich Borough Council to identify a new location for the food bank and the £100,000 which is needed will help fund the necessary building works.

The appeal is supported by Ipswich PR agency Genesis, Barnes Construction, quantity surveyors Castons, Hoopers Architects and Barker Gotelee solicitors along with publishers Archant.

The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Sarah Barber, has given her support to FIND by making it one of her three selected charities.

Maureen Reynel MBE, founder and Board Chair of the charity, said: “FIND already has strong support from the community but we need more help than ever to raise £100,000 for our new foodbank. With the help of Ipswich Borough Council we have identified a suitable site but it needs a lot of building work and refurbishment so this really is a lifeline appeal.”

Councillor David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The Council is very pleased to have helped identify a permanent new home for the charity where it can continue to grow and help people in real need. We wish them every success in their fundraising appeal.”

Nick Denny, Joint Chief Executive of East of England Co-op which will be providing fixtures and fittings free of charge and labour in kind for the new foodbank, said: “We’re very proud to have supported FIND for a number of years and pleased to continue to be part of their journey to ensure they can continue to provide their incredible services to the local community.”

FIND was established nearly 30 years ago and since then the demand for food parcels from people in poverty and crisis has risen year on year. The charity now provides more than 70 food parcels per week along with personal care items, bedding, furniture and other items where a person or family has none.

This Christmas the charity is helping more than 2,000 people in crisis living in Ipswich and the wider community by giving food parcels and Christmas gifts.

Donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries can be made to any local participating East of England Co-Op, Waitrose at Futura Park and Sainsbury’s at Warren Heath.

Cash can be donated at www.findipswich.org.uk/donate and any businesses, schools and clubs which would like to take part in FIND 50 fundraising and publicity should email FIND50@genesispr.co.uk