Chamber Team Take a Leap of Faith for Charity!

The team at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce never backs down from a challenge, especially when it is for a good cause! On Thursday 11 May 2023, 11 members of the Chamber team, including CEO John Dugmore, took to the skies for a charity skydive with the Red Devils, hitting the target of £10,000 for three local charities – East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality, and 4YP UK Ltd.

The adrenaline-fuelled event saw the Suffolk Chamber team bravely jump from a plane at 13,000 feet, hurtling towards the ground at speeds of around 120mph. But the team kept their wits about them and completed their jumps with style! You can see the full skydive video here

"Our team was nervous but excited for the skydive," said the mastermind of the jump, Stuart Franklin, Membership Development Manager. "We came together as a team to support these important causes, and it was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!"

The fundraiser was a roaring success, with the Suffolk Chamber team raising an incredible amount of money for the three Suffolk charities.

Commenting on the jump, Rachel Mayes-Dally, Corporate Fundraiser at EACH said: "It was an incredible challenge that required a lot of bravery. Suffolk Chamber’s support will allow us to continue supporting children and young people with life threatening conditions, as well as their families, when they need it most.”

Gavin Stone, CEO at 4YP, added, “as someone with a longstanding personal connection to the Chamber, I know firsthand what a difference their support and representation makes to local organisations. The money donated makes a significant contribution to children and young people being provided with somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to connect with.”

Phanuel Mutumburi, Director for Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality, commented, “our relentless mission for a fairer Suffolk for all people to live, work and visit, is only possible thanks to support from partners like the Suffolk Chamber, who choose to help us on this path towards empathy and positive change.”

The heartwarming results of the sky dive were presented to representatives of the charities at the Suffolk Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, held on Thursday 29^th June, with a ceremonial cheque, culminating a fantastic fundraising effort from all involved.

Suffolk Chamber is proud to have had the opportunity to give back to the community in such a fun and exciting way. “We want to say a big thank you to all those who donated and supported these worthy causes,” added Stuart. “We hope to encourage other businesses to get involved and support local charities in any way they can.”