Suffolk-based charity Combat2Coffee has topped the Denbury Charitable Fund Regional Vote and won £14,000 towards a new mobile coffee van to support outreach work.
The vote, ran by Denbury Homes, involved ten regional charities, and received over 2,900 votes. The top three charities will share a donation of £20,000. Second place went to Home-Start Norfolk and third to Break, they will receive £4,000 and £2,000 respectively.
The remaining shortlisted charities will each receive £250.
Combat2Coffee will put the money towards a new mobile coffee vehicle to expand their current community outreach work. Helping support anyone who is isolated and vulnerable such as veterans, families, and others who may be struggling with their mental health.
Nigel Seaman, Founder of Combat2Coffee said: “We are overjoyed to win the vote, the money will make a huge difference to our outreach provision. We already have one van in use but are seeing increasing need within rural communities.
“Fourteen thousand pounds will help us get a new coffee vehicle on the road and enable our community outreach worker to visit more local community centres, village halls, local sports clubs, colleges, and community social clubs – offering a focal point for food and drink, conversation, and signposting to specialist help if necessary to more people in need across East Anglia.
“Huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and for all the support we received – look out for us getting on the road in the new van soon!”
Speaking of the vote, Joshua Hopkins of the Denbury Charitable Fund and Land Director at Denbury Homes said: “This is our first regional charity vote as Denbury Homes and the first time we have had a shortlist from across the region. The response from the charities and their supporters has been fantastic and we are delighted that these local causes have received a boost just before Christmas.
“Combat2Coffee provides an important service to so many. It’s great news that the £14,000 from the vote will support their outreach work, I look forward to seeing the van once it is ready and hearing more about the impact their service is having on our communities.”
The shortlist was selected by Denbury Homes with support from Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire Community foundations.
Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation said: “The vote has been a great way for the shortlisted charities to spread the word about their current initiatives and future projects and it’s fantastic to see how engaged many of their supporters have been. I’m delighted for Nigel and the team at Combat2Coffee, their energy and commitment has paid off and I’ll look forward to seeing their new van soon!”
