Ipswich Family Bank has welcomed a £2,000 boost to help struggling families this Christmas thanks to a donation from local communications agency PLMR Genesis.
Founded in 2020, the foodbank organisation is a volunteer-led initiative to support local people facing difficulties by providing food, and other essential household items throughout the year.
The Ipswich based PLMR Genesis team has been supporting the charity throughout 2025 and shared the news of the donation after spending a morning helping at the foodbank.
The team, along with 20 other volunteers, wrapped 120 Christmas food parcels as part of the Christmas Hamper Wrapping Day which will now be distributed to local people in need. The team has also built and launched a new website for the charity to help raise further awareness of the important work they do in the community.
Following the donation, Michelle Symonds, founder of Ipswich Family Bank, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the PLMR Genesis team. This donation is more than just money. It’s vital support that allows us to purchase immediate essentials like nappies, toiletries, and food for families who are really struggling.
“Our volunteers work tirelessly, and this £2,000 will directly help many families this winter. Christmas is the most difficult time of year for the people we support, and this contribution will ensure more local families can get through the festive season and look ahead to the New Year with a little less worry, knowing they have much needed support on hand.”
A volunteer also shared her experience of the impact the charity makes, having experienced their help first hand: “When I met Michelle and the team I realised how in need of their help I was, and it was such a relief to receive their support. The Ipswich Family Bank became a safe place for me to ask for help when I needed it.
“I received regular help from them and always had in mind that I’d like to give back in some way when I was back on my feet. Their support felt lovely when I was in need, and now I love being part of the wonderful team that helped me.”
Each year, PLMR, founded by prominent Suffolk businessman Kevin Craig, donates 5% of profits to charity. The Ipswich Family Bank was selected as one of the recipients of the funding after the team saw firsthand the impact of their work.
Tim Miller, Managing Director of PLMR Genesis, the East of England team for PLMR, commented: “For the whole team it has been a real privilege getting to know the volunteers at the Ipswich Family Bank over the last few months. They’re an amazing group of people and give so much of their time every year to help local families.
“We were immediately struck by their kindness and selflessness. They go out of their way to help people in need every day, so to be able to contribute to this in a small way is something we were very keen to do. We’ve proud of our Ipswich roots and believe strongly that by working together with local charities and organisations, we can help make a real positive difference to the lives of people living in the town.”
Ipswich Family Bank is run by volunteers and distributes weekly food parcels, clothes, hygiene items and household essentials to families in need.
For more information visit www.familybankipswich.co.uk
