Ipswich construction firm donates £44,000 to 26 local charities in 2024

Why it matters: The donations represent a significant commitment to supporting local charitable organisations at a time when many are facing increased demand for their services.

The big picture: The Ipswich-based construction firm has distributed funds to 26 different organisations, including:

• Local charities such as Bows & Arrows, Suffolk Community Fund, Suffolk Mind and Lighthouse Women's Aid
• Regional medical services including Ipswich Hospital Charity Trust, ESNEFT and East Anglian Air Ambulance
• Local sports clubs Kesgrave Kestrels and Rotary Club of Ipswich
• Environmental organisations like World Land Trust, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Suffolk Tree Warden Network

Staff involvement: Employees raised £10,000 through various events including:

• The annual 'Not Fayers Golf Day' at Rushmere Golf Club, raising £6,000 for Amend
• A Santa float collection in Broke Hall, gathering £1,226 for Genesis Orwell Mencap
• Participation in events like the 'Whole Hog Muddy Run' and 'Wear it Pink Day'

Joint managing directors Mark Hart and Bob Steward said: "A huge thank you and well done to everyone who took part and helped us in being able to donate this amount of money to these amazing charities and good causes."

Recent initiatives: The company's latest fundraising efforts included:

• Staff volunteering with Ipswich Greyfriars Round Table's Santa float
• A Christmas Jumper Day raising £210 for Save the Children UK

The bottom line: Barnes Construction's charitable giving spans multiple sectors, from healthcare to environmental conservation, with a particular focus on supporting organisations working within their local community.