NINE more community organisations are to benefit from a North-East building society’s profit-sharing pledge.

Darlington Building Society has committed to donate a record £172,500 during 2022, with a share of its profits topped up with £12,500 from County Durham Community Foundation, which manages the Society’s charity donations.

More than £50,000 has already been handed out to seven great charities in the first part of this year as part of the society’s annual pledge to donate five per cent of its profits to local good causes.

Now, the Society’s Community Impact Group has confirmed that another nine organisations will receive nearly £30,000 in the second tranche of donations.

  • King’s Church Food Bank, in Darlington, will receive £5,000 to support its work in helping around 500 people a week.
  • Plans by Furniture Reclamation and Delivery Enterprise (FRADE) to create a community garden in Middlesbrough will be boosted by a £3,750 donation.
  • YMCA Teesdale is to receive £2,670 for improvements to its community café in Cockfield.
  • A £5,000 donation is being made to Leo’s Neonatal, a parent-led charity, caring for families who need to spent time in neonatal units across the North-East.
  • The 44th Middlesbrough Scout Group will be presented with a £2,000 donation to fund camping trips.
  • Café JJ, a Darlington community café supporting adults with learning difficulties, will receive £5,000 to purchase equipment and contribute towards renting its premises.
  • A donation of £1,500 will be made to Stockton-based Roseberry Community Consortium to fund social activities, workshops and education.
  • East Durham Veteran’s Trust will receive £1,500 to support social events.
  • Guisborough Bridge Association is to receive £1,000 towards a “Music and Memories” project for elderly people, those with dementia, and respite for carers.

Darlington Building Society Chief Executive, Andrew Craddock, said: “At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is hitting communities hard, it’s a joy to be able to help so many worthy local causes as a result of our record-breaking financial performance in 2021.

“The latest charities to benefit from our 5% Pledge are doing wonderful work in so many different ways. We remain committed to sharing our profits in a way that helps to improve the lives of our members and the communities in which they live.”

Michelle Cooper, Chief Executive, of County Durham Community Foundation, added: “Life is very hard for many people right now. By helping to fund these grassroots charities, Darlington Building Society is fighting poverty and enriching lives. We are really pleased to have been able to offer match funding that boosts this generosity even more, and increases the positive impact on local communities.”

  • To make it easier to apply for the Society’s 5% Pledge, County Durham Community Foundation has created a new portal. For more information, or to apply, please visit: www.darlington.co.uk/our-community