Why it matters: Kevin Craig's £2,500 donation funded an entire Christmas party for the Ipswich Memory Lane Café Project, ensuring every guest enjoyed a full traditional meal with turkey and all the trimmings at no cost to attendees or the charity.
The details: The event, held on Tuesday at Venue 16 in Ipswich, brought together attendees, volunteers and supporters of the Memory Lane Café Project for an afternoon of Christmas spirit.
Kevin Craig is the founder and chief executive of PLMR, a national communications agency. PLMR Genesis, based in Ipswich, is part of the PLMR Group and has been supporting various charities in the local area over the past year.
What they're saying: Tina Vickers, from the Memory Lane Café Project, said the day was unforgettable.
"Everyone had a magical time. The room was full of laughter, smiles and Christmas cheer. It was a really special day and one that will be remembered by everyone who attended. We want to say a huge thank you to Kevin for his generosity."
Kevin Craig said he was delighted to support the event and the work of the Memory Lane Café Project.
"Ipswich and Suffolk are full of brilliant people helping others all year round - the Memory Lane Café Project is a wonderful example of that. When I stood as the Labour Party candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in 2024, I met the volunteers at the Ipswich Family Bank, who I've been in touch with and supporting ever since. They brought me into contact with The Memory Lane Café, and it's great to support this very special group of people to help make Christmas that bit brighter."
The bigger picture: The Memory Lane Café Project supports people living with memory loss and dementia throughout the year, providing a vital community space for those affected by these conditions.
The bottom line: One businessman's £2,500 donation created an afternoon of laughter and Christmas cheer for 75 people living with dementia, just one of many local examples this year of how generosity has made the festive season brighter for those who need it most.
