Christmas seems like a distant memory with summer fast approaching, but Ipswich Round Table still had one last present to deliver to its 2016 Rudolph Run charity.
Ipswich Round Table has been touring the streets of Ipswich at Christmas with the Rudolph charity float for more than 45 years and thanks to the amazing generosity of local residents, last year saw the group raise £13,000 for the Town 102 Kids Trust.
From the money raised, £7,000 went to Ipswich community playbus Maggie to cover the running of a play session for a whole year, through the Kids Trust. The Ipswich Community Playbus is a not-for-profit charity run by a board of voluntary trustees for families with children under five in Ipswich.
Mandy Potter, Ipswich Community Playbus co-ordinator, said: “We are really grateful to Ipswich Round Table for giving up their time and to everyone who donated so generously.
“The money will help us to further improve the support we are able to offer to parents across the town.”
Dave Busby, Town 102 Kids Trust chair, said: “This donation is exactly what the Trust is all about – local people helping local children. It will have a direct benefit to children living in the Ipswich area and the grant board would like to thank to all those involved in making it possible.”
Now £4,000 has been allocated to eight children’s nurseries in deprived areas of Ipswich to help towards the purchase of play equipment. The remaining £2,000 will be held in the Trust until an adequate cause to donate to has been found.
Rob Hart, chairman of Ipswich Round Table said: “The Town 102 Kids Trust is a worthy cause who support good causes in the Ipswich area. It is a pleasure to be able to give such a large donation from Rudolph.
“The support, donations and comments we receive from the people of Ipswich as we bring Rudolph and Father Christmas around is just fantastic and its great to be able to give the money raised back to the local community.”
Ipswich Round Table is already making plans for its 2017 campaign. In 2016 it was on the road, travelling the streets of Ipswich, for two weeks up until Christmas Eve. A number of local companies support the annual project, through donations or allowing staff to get involved.
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