Ipswich theatregoers encouraged to tackle homelessness
They're being asked to donate goods to charity when they head to the theatre next month
Ipswich Regent Theatre is partnering with charities and Ipswich Borough council to address homelessness in the town.
The West End show ‘Come From Away’ is visiting the theatre from the 2nd to 6th of July and audience members are being invited to donate food, drinks, toiletries and clothing to help homeless people in Ipswich.
People are encouraged to bring donations such as tinned and dry food, toiletries, and second-hand clothing, inspired by the message of 'Come From Away', which is all about community spirit and coming together.
Gavin Fisk, Assistant Director of Housing and Communities at Ipswich Borough Council, says: “In reflection of the brilliant real-life stories told through Come From Away, we hope the community will be inspired to join with us to help support homeless people in Ipswich.”
The theatre teamed up with Lydia Greatrix - ‘Theatrical Lydia’ - who is an ambassador for Pay it forward 9/11, a charity set up to honour those who died in the 9/11 attacks by inspiring acts of kindness, generosity and community spirit.
Lydia is touring with the cast of the show in what she calls a ‘Pay it Forwards Kindness Tour’, supporting local charities across the country. She is excited to use this opportunity to show “Theatre isn’t just a fun night out, it can really make a difference in the world”.
Jools Ramsey-Palmer who is Chief Executive Officer at Ipswich Housing Action Group is hugely grateful that her charity was chosen by Lydia as one of the groups to receive support from the show in Ipswich.
“There’s a cost of living crisis which has affected all of us” she said, “so we’re all surviving that and to ask people to give feels really hard”.
But Jools emphasises that just one small item can make such a difference to a person on the streets, and she is excited by how many donations could be collected from the 5-day show run.
“It shows people that actually another human being cares about them, it gives them back that hope and that dignity”.