MORE money should be raised for charities and good causes in the Felixstowe area thanks to a new initiative involving the town's shipping community.Haulage companies, shipping lines, forwarding agents, the port, and other dock-related businesses are getting together to co-ordinate their fundraising projects and hoping to raise £50,000 a year through various events, donations and grants.

MORE money should be raised for charities and good causes in the Felixstowe area thanks to a new initiative involving the town's shipping community.

Haulage companies, shipping lines, forwarding agents, the port, and other dock-related businesses are getting together to co-ordinate their fundraising projects and hoping to raise £50,000 a year through various events, donations and grants.

The Port Community Fund, launched at a reception at Landguard Fort, is being spearheaded by the Port of Felixstowe and will be managed by the Suffolk Foundation.

The founding partners - W Carter Haulage, Cory Brothers, Coscon UK Ltd, Freightliner Group, Grange Shipping, Harwich Haven Authority, Johnson Stevens Agencies, Maritime Transport, MCP, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Pentalver, Port of Felixstowe, and Wincanton plc - represent some of the leading shipping and transport companies in the county.

“Until now the numerous companies engaged in this sector have provided support to a range of local causes in a largely uncoordinated manner,” said port head of corporate affairs Paul Davey.

“The Port Community Fund will provide a focal point for such fund raising and, through a joint approach, it is hoped to raise greater funds than would be possible from companies acting alone, to achieve greater recognition for the good work done by its partners, and to build closer, and more supportive relations with the local community.”