MEMBERS of a North East building society have raised thousands of pounds for a hospice by simply casting votes.
Darlington Building Society pledged to donate between 50p and £1 to a worthy local charity for every vote cast by members on key decisions at its Annual General Meeting, held at the town’s Hopetown attraction.
By voting on matters such as board appointments and the Society’s future direction, members helped raise £2,300 for a charity chosen by staff: Darlington’s St Teresa’s Hospice.
Andrew Craddock, Chief Executive of Darlington Building Society, visited the hospice alongside Chief People Officer Helen Easton to present the donation. He said: “Darlington Building Society exists to make lives better: for our members, for our colleagues, and for our communities.
“Supporting causes like St Teresa’s Hospice has a real impact on the people and places we serve. The work of the hospice touches almost all of us at some point in our lives, and we’re delighted to continue supporting such a vital charity.”
As well as financial contributions, staff regularly use their corporate volunteer hours to support the hospice’s shops, warehouse, and gardens.
Helen added: “We’re proud to support many good causes through Darlington Building Society, but St Teresa’s Hospice is consistently one of the favourite charities chosen by our colleagues.
“Whenever we ask which charities we should back, St Teresa’s is always near the top of the list. We’re genuinely proud to play our part in supporting such an important local service.”
Carol Charlton, chair of trustees for St Teresa’s Hospice, said: “Darlington Building Society numbers among our longest-standing supporters.
“The Society was there when the idea of a Darlington hospice was first suggested in 1986, and they’ve stood by us ever since. This generous donation is the latest link in a chain that spans our charity’s entire history.
“We can’t overstate our gratitude to the staff and members of the Society – thank you all.”
