The spirit of Christmas was alive and well as local businesses joined forces to help spread some festive cheer.
Staff from Savills, Brewin Dolphin, Netscout and People Plus came together to collect gifts, toys, food and other goodies for FIND (Families in Need) Ipswich.
The four businesses are all based at Fraser House in Museum Street and decided to pool their efforts so that they could donate as many items as possible.
FIND has been providing a vital service for nearly 30 years and supports thousands of adults and children in poverty across Suffolk with food, furniture and household items to help them live. Over 6,000 food parcels were distributed in 2018 and that number is set to be bigger in 2019.
Sue Monks, office coordinator at Savills Ipswich, who organised the collection, said: “The work that FIND does is amazing and we were only too pleased to lend our support. We were overwhelmed with the generosity and spirit of everyone in the building.”
Brewin Dolphin’s Leonie Parry added: “It was an amazing effort from all four companies and our staff were very happy to contribute.”
Rachel Cattermole from People Plus said: “I cannot believe how much we all gathered. One of our learners also contributed, which was lovely.”
Angela Ward from Netscout continued: “We are all delighted to have collected necessary food items and also some Christmas gifts and special treats.”
Maureen Reynel MBE and founder of FIND said: “This time of year is difficult for many adults, children and families across Suffolk who not only can’t afford their heating or to put food on the table, but can’t afford the things we often take for granted at Christmas. The donations and support we receive from local businesses is fantastic and we are so grateful.”