The quest to find a new home for Ipswich food bank charity Families in Need (FIND) has moved a step forward following a generous donation from the Ipswich Round Table.

The charity, a vital resource for thousands of people in need of support, is looking for a new headquarters after the building it called home for six years was earmarked for development.

The charity launched a campaign, the FIND 50 Lifeline Appeal, with the aim of signing up 50 businesses, individuals, schools and other organisations to each pledge £2,000 towards finding a new HQ.

The Ipswich Round Table was one of the first to sign up for the campaign, which has been backed by the Ipswich Star, East Anglian Daily Times and BBC Radio Suffolk.

The Round Table’s annual festive fundraiser The Rudolph Run, which has raised thousands since it launched in 1970, has donated £2,000 to the campaign. It has also donated another £5,500 worth of household goods - mattresses, washing machines, kettles and toasters - to FIND.

Tony Cheung, from Ipswich Round Table, said: “It is a privilege to be able to help FIND get new premises thanks to the great support we receive from the good people of Ipswich, who love the tradition of watching Rudolph pulling a sleigh through our streets and providing some festive cheer. Rudolph is coming up to his 50th birthday and is still going strong thanks to his army of volunteers and local businesses.

“FIND 50 really is an important appeal and it’s not just at Christmas when they have to service the town. The demand on their services has increased dramatically in the last two years and they really need new premises.”

The Round Table’s donation brings the grand total to £20,500 since the project launched in March this year. With the help of Ipswich Borough Council, a new site has been found but at least £100,000 is needed to convert it.

Maureen Reynel MBE, founder of FIND, said: “We are hugely grateful for the fantastic donation from the Ipswich Round Table for our FIND 50 Lifeline Appeal. We hope that more companies, schools and groups will come forward and announce FIND as their charity to help us reach our £100,000 fundraising target so we can continue providing support to individuals and families in desperate need across Ipswich.”