Member Article

North East building society helps good causes

Newcastle Building Society has surprised 17 good causes this Christmas with festive grants from their fund at the Community Foundation.

The 30-strong branch network in North East and Cumbria nominated groups for the gift, and following weeks of decision-making, a list of good causes was agreed.

A youth group, children’s football team, a community association to a hospice, along with individuals that need support, were all identified.

The good causes include Gateway into the Community in Hexham, a group that supports people with learning difficultues; St Theresa’s Hospice in Darlington; Hospicecare North Northumberland in Alnwick; Gateshead Crossroads Caring for Carers; and West Denton Community Association.

Chief Executive Jim Willens said: “As a mutual building society it is in our fabric to be a part of and provide support to the communities in which we operate.

“We support a variety of charities throughout the year, but it was great to be able to help the ones specifically close to our branch network, in the heart of our operations.

“The donations deliberately cover a range of organisations and people as we were keen to help as much of a cross-section of our member-base as possible.

“The response has been great with the organisations appreciating the nice surprise.”

The donations were made possible by an endowment fund held with Community Foundation, and represents the latest in a line of supportive measures that the Society has provided to the communities within the North East.

Lisa Cappleman from the organisation, adds: “We are delighted that the Newcastle Building Society Fund has made these grants during the Christmas period .

“Local organisations are really feeling the pinch at the moment and a little boost, especially during the festive period, really goes a long way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .