An Ipswich-based charity which supports a poverty-stricken community in the Philippines celebrated its 12th anniversary at the weekend.

The Children of Pulilan Foundation was launched on June 12, 2004 by Ipswich resident Rexie Maton, originally from the Philippines, who moved to Ipswich 34 years ago after meeting her now husband.

The charity collects unwanted clothes, shoes, school uniforms and school equipment which are then shipped to Pulilan, a small rural town in the Philippines.

It also runs fundraising events to cover the costs of shipping, and to fund school costs and equipment in Pulilan.

The charity is run by 10 volunteer members.

Mrs Maton said: “We help under privileged children in the Philippines. We find them old shoes and uniforms and give children financial help for their education.

“All of our members work, but we go to the Philippines every year to distribute the clothes and shoes ourselves.

“We throw away a lot of stuff here. After being here 12 years we have got a lot of support and are very thankful and very grateful to the people and companies. They support us and they donate to us what they can afford.”

The foundation held a table top sale to mark the milestone on Saturday, raising £35 for the cause, ahead of a celebratory dinner with volunteers funded at their own expense.

In addition, a fundraising quiz and supper night is being held at Ipswich Wanderers Football Club in Humber Doucy Lane from 7pm on Saturday, June 25.

Tickets cost £5 per person, with a maximum of four people per team, and includes dinner.

For tickets, more information or to donate to the charity, call Mrs Maton on 01473 729103 or visit www.thechildrenofpulilanfoundation.co.uk