Colleagues at Persimmon Homes Suffolk went the extra mile for their chosen charity over the past 12 months.

The team voted to support Ipswich Outreach as their Charity of the Year in 2024 and as well as raising vital funds for this worthy cause, the team volunteered to work with the charity.  

Each month team members spent time working at their soup kitchen in Ipswich town centre, handing out food and offering a listening ear to the homeless, vulnerable and isolated within the town.  

The team hosted dress down days and bake sales, plus a raffle, step challenge and a bring your dog to work day.  

As well as raising money, they collected donations of soup, socks, pants, toiletries and tinned meals that were put together into small parcels for those in need.  

The total was boosted by a donation from our Community Champions fund, designed to create a lasting legacy in the communities in which they build. 

Ian Walters, Founder of Ipswich Outreach, visited Persimmon Homes’ offices in Great Blakenham to receive a cheque for £3,795. 

He said: “We work with the most vulnerable in our community, those who are homeless and hungry, and those who are isolated and just need a friendly face and listening ear. 

“We are grateful to the whole team at Persimmon for their support over the past year.” 

Cllr Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council member for Westgate ward and Portfolio-holder for Planning & Museums, joined the presentation and said: “It was really heartening to learn about Persimmon’s community work and hear what a difference that has made to the charity over the past year.” 

Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said: “The team really embraced the concept of charity of the year in 2024.   

“They took the cause to heart and many members of the team took time to volunteer at the soup kitchen, meeting those helped by the charity and seeing first-hand how the money the donated is helping the homeless.”