Yorkshire Building Society makes its biggest ever charity donation to Alzheimer's Society

The total, which was raised through staff and member fundraising, is the biggest charitable donation ever made by the company.

Throughout 2011 all Yorkshire, Barnsley and Chelsea building society staff and members pledged to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.  Staff across the country took part in a range of fundraising activities including raffles, runs, cycling challenges, book sales, leg waxing and bungee jumps.

Former Chief Executive, Iain Cornish, who left the Society at the end of 2011, personally completed a sponsored cycle between the Bradford head office and the Chelsea Building Society's head office in Cheltenham - covering over 170 miles.  Iain's achievement saw him raise almost £11,000 - the highest amount raised in one individual fundraising event throughout the year.

Staff and members raised an impressive £85,469, and the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation matched every penny raised. This took the total amount raised to £175,000 - beating their original fundraising target of £100,000.

Chris Parrish, a Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation trustee said:

'I am absolutely delighted with the amount staff have raised for our Charity of the Year.  I am extremely proud of the effort and dedication they have shown in raising the largest amount ever in the history of Yorkshire Building Society.  We couldn't have raised this fantastic amount without the help and support of our customers in purchasing raffle tickets and sponsoring members of staff, so I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them as well.'

The money will go towards supporting people with dementia and their carers.

Liz Showell, Director of Fundraising and Marketing said:

'Thanks so much to everyone at Yorkshire Building Society for their hard work and dedication. They have cycled, baked, walked, bungeed and even submitted to hot wax to help people with dementia and their efforts really paid off.'

'We are especially grateful to Yorkshire Building Society for matching the funds made - their generosity will enable Alzheimer's Society to support people with dementia and their carers now and in the future.'

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Notes to Editors:

About The Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation

• The Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation is a registered charity and is the focal point for the Yorkshire Building Society's charitable giving. Its priorities are to help local communities across the UK by supporting charities and good causes that the Society's members consider to be important
• The Foundation is supported financially by the Society, its staff and members, particularly through Yorkshire's innovative Small Change, Big Difference scheme where over 650,000 members currently donate the pence of their interest to the Foundation
• For more information please contact Catherine Walker on 01274 472117
  

About Alzheimer's Society

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051 
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk