Building society customers ensure their pennies make big difference to Peterborough charities

More than £43,000 has been raised by customers at the Yorkshire Building Society, in Cathedral Square, who each year donate the pennies from the interest on their accounts.

The pennies raised through the society's Small Change Big Difference scheme fund the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation.

Peterborough Sailability, Peterborough Citizens Advice Bureau and Age UK are among the charities in Peterborough that have received donations from the £43,000 raised over the last decade when the Charitable Foundation was set up.

Staff hosted an awareness day at the Cathedral Square branch to showcase the work carried out by the charities that have received donations from the foundation.

Debbie Perkins, branch manager, said: “We’re committed to supporting charities which have a really positive impact on our community.

“The Charitable Foundation is funded by our members and we’re proud that every penny they donate goes directly to the charities which are recommended for donations.

"Our members’ small change has already made a big difference here in Peterborough but we know there are always charities out there which need support.

“If you know a charity that could benefit or want to find out more information about how to join the Small Change Big Difference scheme just come into our branch and speak to any member of staff.”

The Charitable Foundation supports UK-registered charities that work to alleviate poverty, improve health or save lives with donations of up to £2,000.

In 2017 alone, the Charitable Foundation donated £234,684 to more than 200 charities and good causes nominated by members and colleagues from around the UK.