Homebuilder's year-long charity campaign delivers nearly £4,000 for homeless

Why it matters: The funds raised will help Ipswich Outreach continue its vital work with vulnerable community members, including those who are homeless, hungry and isolated.

The details: The homebuilder's staff voted to support Ipswich Outreach as their Charity of the Year in 2024, and went beyond fundraising by volunteering at the charity's soup kitchen in Ipswich town centre.

What they're saying: "We work with the most vulnerable in our community, those who are homeless and hungry, and those who are isolated and just need a friendly face and listening ear," said Ian Walters, Founder of Ipswich Outreach, who received the cheque at Persimmon Homes' offices in Great Blakenham.

By the numbers: The team raised money through:

• Regular dress down days

• Bake sales

• A raffle

• A step challenge

• A bring your dog to work day

For context: Persimmon staff also collected donations of soup, socks, pants, toiletries and tinned meals, which were assembled into parcels for those in need.

The bigger picture: Cllr Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council member for Westgate ward and Portfolio-holder for Planning & Museums, said: "It was really heartening to learn about Persimmon's community work and hear what a difference that has made to the charity over the past year."

The bottom line: "They took the cause to heart and many members of the team took time to volunteer at the soup kitchen, meeting those helped by the charity and seeing first-hand how the money they donated is helping the homeless," said Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk.