Ipswich charity FIND (Families in Need) has been chosen as its charity of the year by the Genesis PR agency.

Over the next 12 months, the Genesis team will be lending its time and expertise to support FIND’s valuable work with local families and individuals affected by poverty.

Genesis PR’s key project for FIND will be the launch a county-wide campaign to raise funds for a new foodbank premises and furniture warehouse for the charity in Ipswich.

FIND provides food, household items, furniture, bedding and white goods free of charge to those living in Ipswich and the surrounding area who are deprived of the minimum standard of living. The charity was established by Maureen Reyne, MBE, who has run FIND voluntarily for over 25 years.

As well as offering PR support, the Genesis team will make regular donations of food and household products to FIND’s current foodbank near Felixstowe Road, and is set to take part in a series of fundraising activities for the charity throughout the year.

Genesis senior account executive Tim Miller has already raised more than £400 for FIND running the Norwich Half Marathon and the whole team is set to take part in the Orwell Walk this June.

Maureen Reynel MBE, who voluntarily runs FIND, said: “I am surprised and delighted that FIND has been chosen as Genesis PR’s charity of the year, especially in such a vital year when we must find a new premises so that we can continue to help the ever increasing numbers of people in need in and around Ipswich. Thank you to Genesis and I look forward to a close working relationship over the next year.”

Each year Genesis PR provides pro-bono support to a different local charity, donating its services free of charge to help promote a worthwhile cause. Suffolk Mind, Lighthouse Women’s Aid and Genesis Orwell Mencap are among the local organisations Genesis has supported.

FIND was chosen as Genesis’ charity for 2017 after the agency invited applications from local organisations in need of support. Eleven charities applied.

Genesis PR’s director Penny Arbuthnot said: “Thank you to all of the local charities who responded to our search for a charity of the year to support. We were delighted by the number of organisations who contacted us and after shortlisting and meeting with three charities, we are delighted to begin our partnership with FIND.

“Maureen does an outstanding job in voluntarily managing FIND and we look forward to supporting this by helping the charity raise enough funds to continue its vital work with local families in need.

“The PR support will also help in the search for a patron and new trustees to help take the charity forward for many years to come.”

Genesis PR’s services include PR strategy, corporate communications and reputation management, with specialist expertise in integrated social media, digital marketing and SEO. The agency employs a team of 14 and works with clients in a variety of sectors. These include professional services, health and social care, education and training, technology, property, manufacturing and logistics.