Local firm's window donation saves homeless support organisation £5,000

Why it matters: The donation will help The Bus Shelter Ipswich, which provides 24/7 support to homeless people across Suffolk through converted buses and other initiatives, to continue expanding their vital services.

A good cause: The Bus Shelter currently operates two converted double-decker buses, each accommodating up to six residents. They also run two second-hand shops in Trimley and Ipswich, both offering non-referral food banks.

The details: Ben Friend from Allglass said: "It was something I have been meaning to do for a while now, and we recently had a gap in time for when I could get it sorted."

The company initially identified surplus windows from a housing project in Norwich, then went further to support the charity.

"We had five or six of them left over from a housing project in Norwich. So, I then purchased a few more to make it up to 30 of them all the same. This then gives the charity a huge scope of what they can achieve," Friend said.

What they're saying: A spokesperson for The Bus Shelter Ipswich said "We are always grateful and appreciate the support from local businesses. I was overwhelmed when I saw just how many there were, and it just so happens that for our original plan, we now have enough windows and won't need to buy any."

The impact: The donation will save The Bus Shelter almost £5,000 in project costs. Friend said: "It was a great feeling to know that we have helped the charity out that much. Also knowing what end result they can achieve and the amount of people that will benefit from these windows and the amazing work the charity does, is great to know that we have played a part in it."

What's next: Allglass, which operates from the former RAF Bentwaters Air Base, is now looking to extend its support by donating doors to the project.

The bottom line: While The Bus Shelter continues to expand its services across Suffolk through its mobile support buses and shops, this random act of generosity shows how local businesses can help charities maximise their resources and extend their reach to those in need.