Member Article

Builder extends community cash giveaway for another year

A leading regional builder has announced its decision to extend a popular community cash giveaway scheme for another year.

Persimmon Homes, which has regional offices located in Newcastle, Bowburn and Stockton on Tees, is now urging community groups, charities and good causes across the North East to continue applying through its Community Champions scheme.

The fund was initially launched in March 2015 and was due to run for one year to support grassroots activities that improve the quality of life for local people. The scheme invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a £720,000 national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made locally every month on a match-funding basis.

The donations are made across Persimmon Homes’ 28 regions, as well as from its Space4 timber frame business and from the PLC head office.

Debbie Zaben, sales and marketing director for Persimmon Homes North East, said they had been overwhelmed by the response to the scheme, with hundreds of groups and individuals applying nationally every month throughout the year.

“Our Community Champions scheme has certainly struck a chord with many charities and worthy causes, and we are delighted to announce that it will continue for another year.

“We hope that the community chest of £72,000 from across three regional offices can make a huge difference. We want to hear from everyone as we’re determined to donate our money where it will help the most.

“All we ask is that the group or charity has already worked hard to raise money themselves, and we will then match this effort with funding of up to £1,000. It is also really simple to apply for, with groups and charities invited to visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity and complete an online application form.”

Good causes helped by Persimmon Homes over the past 12 months include:

North East: Alnwick Playhouse, The Chronicle Sunshine Fund and The Chris Lucas Trust.

Durham: 234 (City of Durham) Air Cadets, Coxhoe Scout Group and FoodCycle Durham.

Teesside: Hartlepool People Centre, Red Dreams and Darlington Cricket Club.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lee Southen .