'Who cares?' Yorkshire Building Society says: 'We do!'

Yorkshire Building Society is proud to announce that in 2011 it will be taking on an exciting new challenge by adopting its very first Charity of the Year partnership - and its chosen charity for 2011 is Alzheimer's Society.

This is an exciting new challenge for the Yorkshire Group with all staff pledging to raise money by holding raffles, sponsored events and other activities throughout the year.

Iain Cornish Chief Executive of Yorkshire Building Society said:

'This is a whole new experience for Yorkshire Building Society which we are very excited about.  The Society has a fantastic history of supporting charities and good causes and we will be continuing to do so with the addition of a Charity of the Year.

'We are dedicated to supporting Alzheimer's Society work with carers for those with dementia.  This is the start of a busy year of fundraising and with the support of our customers and members of the public 2011 will be a fundraising year to be proud of.'

Jo Swinhoe, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Alzheimer's Society, said:

'We are delighted to have been chosen by staff at Yorkshire Building Society as their first charity of the year. More people affected by dementia turn to us for help than to any other charity - and this includes families and carers of people with dementia.  The money raised by the Yorkshire Group will fund a new support programme for carers, providing them with crucial information and advice, such as signposting them to services and benefits. This will make a real difference to these unsung heroes who save the UK economy an unbelievable £6 billion a year.'

All funds from the 'Who Cares?' campaign will support Alzheimer's Society's work in championing the rights of the 750,000 people in the UK with dementia and the 400,000 people who act as their primary carers. 

The campaign is part of Yorkshire Building Society's continued commitment to support charities and good causes.  This particular charity was chosen through a staff vote.

Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation has also pledged to make a substantial donation to the appeal at the end of the fundraising year to boost the final total even further.

Members of the public can help Yorkshire Building Society in its 'Who Cares?' appeal by calling into any of its 178 Yorkshire, Barnsley or Chelsea Building Society branches and purchasing an Alzheimer's Society mini nail file book for £1 or supporting their local branch in their own fundraising activities.