Ipswich Regent Theatre is thanking theatregoers for the overwhelming support shown to its community appeal last week.
Audiences watching the West End show Come From Away donated food and personal items to the charity ihAg (Ipswich Housing Action Group) which helps people affected by homelessness in Ipswich. Ipswich Borough Council colleagues also supported the appeal, with the charity receiving hundreds of donated items, in over 70 crates, to support them and their partner agencies including Ipswich Outreach for the many months ahead.
Blogger Lydia Greatrix (Theatrical Lydia) kicked off the community appeal as part of her role as an ambassador for Pay It Forward 9/11, a charity set up to honour those who lost their lives in the attacks at the World Trade Centre in 2001. The goals of the charity are doing good deeds for strangers, restoring kindness, and inspiring acts of generosity and community spirit.
The appeal echoes the show’s heartwarming real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Gander, Canada during the wake of 9/11 and the tales from the small community who took them in and helped them feel at home.
Councillor Jane Riley, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Customers, says:
“We’d like to say a big thank you to everybody who contributed to this donation drive in support of people affected by homelessness in Ipswich.
“We were truly amazed by the amount of donations given by our wonderful audiences and colleagues. It’s fantastic to see everyone coming together to show their support for those who are in real need, and it makes me feel so proud to be part of this community.”
Jools Ramsey-Palmer, Chief Executive Officer at ihAg, adds: “I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of everyone who came along to see Come From Away. Every night, items appeared from pockets, and handbags and carrier bags, and even when it poured with rain, people arrived with items that they were willing to donate to people they will never meet. The level of kindness and humanity on show was truly humbling, and I’m extremely grateful to every single person who felt able to take part.”
Lydia Greatrix says: "It's been truly overwhelming and heartwarming to see the generosity and kindness of patrons to Ipswich Regent Theatre during the run of Come From Away. Thank you so much for paying forward kindness with me - the thousands of donations we received will make a real difference."
To find out more about supporting ihAg, please email: ihag@ihag.co.uk
