Town have launched a new campaign alongside charity partner FIND (Families in Need) aimed at supporting local people during the winter.

The FIND a warmer community initiative encourages supporters, staff and everyone else associated with the club to do their bit for families and individuals struggling due to the cost of living crisis, focusing on providing warm items such as hats, gloves, scarves, hot water bottles and socks.

A Crowdfunder page has been set up where donations can be made towards the cost of purchasing items.

FIND, which has been established for more than 30 years, insist that items received are brand new, believing that all children should open a present that is their own, and similarly that all members of the community deserve clothing which is not pre-owned.

Maureen Reynel MBE, the founder of FIND, told the club site: “There has been a real upsurge in need. The need has escalated.

“In some weeks we’re sending out 150 food parcels and our furniture van is going out twice a week.

“It’s obvious that people are in dire straits. The race is on to get people equipped for the onslaught of what could be an awful winter.

“Ipswich Town represents more than just the football club, it represents a community so let’s all pull together.”

Blues staff also be giving up their time to support FIND volunteers ahead of the Christmas period making up parcels containing warm items and food, as well as match tickets and information on the Ipswich Town Foundation's free holiday camps for disadvantaged children, run in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council.

Those participating in Foundation activities are also being encouraged to donate items of new clothing.

The Foundation's community engagement co-ordinator Leanne Smith said: “We feel as a Club and as a Foundation that it's massively important to support this initiative, especially given the cost of living crisis.

“We work with children as young as five. It’s important that they know that there are issues out there and that not every child is lucky enough to get presents under the Christmas tree.

“Staff from the Club and the Foundation will be going up to FIND to support them in making their Christmas boxes that support families and individuals who are struggling.”

Post-Christmas, with FIND’s work ongoing throughout the year, Town will be hosting a food bank collection in the FanZone at Portman Road ahead of the Plymouth match on Saturday 14th January.

“Every time I see on the back of someone’s car that a dog isn’t for Christmas I think a human being isn’t just for Christmas either,” Reynel added.

“Christmas impacts December and January. We will have that food ready for people who may have overspent at Christmas and need some help.”

Photo: Matchday Images

BeattiesBackPocket added 19:24 - Nov 10 As I say the club TOP to bottom has changed for the better 👏🏻
0

Ipswich Town Polls