Gift of Christmas event to unite businesses and charities for collaborative opportunities

The University of Suffolk and Suffolk New College have teamed up for an event to bring together local businesses, charities and the community for an inspiring afternoon of collaboration and generosity this Christmas.

The event, titled ‘The Gift of Christmas: A Community Celebration of Giving’ will take place at the University’s Waterfront Building in Ipswich on Wednesday 26 November from 3.00-5.00pm, and aims to celebrate the positive impact of Suffolk’s charities, encourage new partnerships, and highlight how working with local organisations can make a real difference across the region.

Shining a light on Suffolk’s charities

Guests will have the chance to meet and connect with some of Suffolk’s most respected charities, including St Nicholas Hospice Care, 4YP (For Children and Young People), Iceni, Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS), Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, ESNEFT Charity, St Elizabeth Hospice, Brave Futures and Suffolk Mind.

Suffolk Mind’s keynote address will explore the wellbeing challenges facing local people and the vital role that community collaboration plays in addressing them.

Event highlights

• Celebrate the season while recognising the incredible work of Suffolk-based charities;
• Hear insights on community wellbeing from Suffolk Mind’s keynote;
• Meet and connect with local organisations driving social impact;
• Explore volunteering, mentoring, and partnership opportunities aligned with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals;
• Enjoy live music, festive refreshments, and a special visit from Father Christmas and his elf, who’ll be collecting gifts and essential items for families in need this Christmas

Giving back instead of paying in

There’s no ticket price for this event – instead, attendees are invited to pledge support. This could be time, skills, financial support, or a collaborative project that strengthens Suffolk’s communities this festive season.

Gemma Matten, Business Engagement Manager at the University of Suffolk, said: “The Gift of Christmas is about uniting Suffolk’s community around what matters most – compassion, connection, and the shared goal of making a difference.

“We’re excited to bring together local businesses, charities, and partners to celebrate the season while building relationships that create lasting social impact.”

Gaynor Marsh from Suffolk New College said: “We currently work with many businesses across the country – including almost 200 industry partners.

“Many are charitable organisations and we are looking forward to working with them and others on this exciting festive project that will bring the community together via this exciting Gift of Christmas project.”

Event details

Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025

Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Venue: University of Suffolk, Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1QJ

Booking: The Gift of Christmas: A Community Celebration of Giving Tickets, Wed, Nov 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite.