The newly formed Ipswich Bangladeshi Foundation, headed by leaders in the community and restaurant owners, raised a staggering £14,700 at its grand launch to help victims of the cyclone in Bangladesh.
The Foundation aims to go on raising funds for charity appeals both near and far. Various events are to be held throughout the year and part of the funds raised will be passed to the Mayor's Charity Fund. The remaining money will enable the Foundation aims to be able to respond wherever disaster strikes.
The launch and fund-raising dinner was held in the Grand Hall at the Corn Exchange with the support of Ipswich Borough Council. It was hosted by Boshor Ali, who was joined by the Mayor, Inga Lockington, and more than 300 guests. The chief guest speaker was the Channel STV personality Rizwan Hussain, who spoke of his recent experiences in southern Bangladesh visiting the areas worst affected by November's cyclone. Thanks to supporters and to Town 102.