Foodbank support for Ipswich families

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Ipswich Oddfellows has donated food and money to a foodbank that helps families in the town and beyond.

Families in Need

Ipswich Oddfellows, which has around 150 mostly older and retired local members, handed over a cheque for £600 and around 50 items of food to FIND (Families in Need) foodbank on Monday 13 May.

Branch members donated the items, which included tins of fruit, vegetables and soup, and packets of cereal, biscuits and tea.

FIND has been supporting families in Ipswich and the surrounding areas for more than three decades, providing free food parcels, personal care items to help people get through a crisis, furniture, bedding and other household items where the person or family has none.

Kevin Marrable, Chairman of Ipswich Oddfellows who chose FIND as his Chairman’s charity, said: “I became aware of FIND about 15 years ago when a primary school I worked in donated goods from their Harvest Festival.

“I believe that 34 years of supporting families in the Ipswich area deserves continued recognition.”

The money was donated by Ipswich Oddfellows members over the past 12 months.

Maureen Reynel (left) receives a cheque from Kevin Marrable (right)

Founder of FIND, Maureen Reynel, received the cheque and donated items from Kevin and thanked members of Ipswich Oddfellows, adding: “Items of food and household items are always welcome, but the money will go towards special things for families such as school uniform, school trips, beds or equipment.

“It's unbelievable that a 3-year project has been going for 34 years. Thanks are due to supporters and volunteers. FIND wouldn't exist without them."

More on the Oddfellows

Ipswich Oddfellows is one of 99 nationwide branches that make up the Oddfellows friendly society, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the UK. We aim to improve people’s lives through friendship and support.

As well as its fundraising initiatives, Ipswich Oddfellows hosts a range of affordable and accessible events in and around the Ipswich area which are open to all.

Oddfellows members can also access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club, as well as take up opportunities to volunteer.

Branch Secretary Ipswich Oddfellows, Lynne Wyatt, said: “There’s something for everyone here and we’re a really friendly bunch.

“Anyone interested in finding out more about us should get in touch with me or come down to one of our brilliant events. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome.”

If you're based elsewhere in the UK and would like to find your closest Oddfellows friendship group you can use our Branch Finder, while going to our Events Finder will help you discover which of our brilliant events are happening nearby.

Contact us to find out more.