Why it matters: The donation provides crucial funding to organisations supporting vulnerable people and protecting local wildlife at a time when many charities face challenging financial conditions.
The details: The £45,000 has been split between four strategic charity partners:
Emmaus Suffolk, which supports people experiencing isolation, loneliness and homelessness
Ipswich Housing Action Group (ihAg), providing support to those facing housing insecurity
Lighthouse Women's Aid, offering services for victims of domestic abuse
Suffolk Wildlife Trust, protecting 7,100 acres and working towards restoring 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030
What they're saying: Richard Norrington, chief executive at Suffolk Building Society, said: "We've been celebrating our 175th year in a way that gives back to the communities we serve. As well as the volunteering and fundraising by our staff, we hope these charitable donations help to support our core charity partners who are doing vital work to protect vulnerable people and help local nature to flourish."
Tony Chasteauneuf, chief executive at Emmaus Suffolk, said: "This generous donation will directly support the development of our training programme, helping people who are long-term unemployed or facing mental health challenges to gain skills and work experience at our Royal Oak Café."
Sam Hopley, chief executive at ihAg, said: "This generous donation from Suffolk Building Society couldn't come at a more critical time. It will help us provide warmth, guidance, and practical support to those facing housing insecurity this winter."
Sally Winston, chief executive at Lighthouse Women's Aid, said: "Community fundraising is crucial to the sustainability of our organisation and local corporate partnerships are key for charities such as Lighthouse. They can provide a steady flow of resources as well as enhancing a charity's credibility in an increasingly competitive landscape."
Julie Long, partnerships manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: "Their reach across the county and deep roots in the community make them a fitting champion for nature recovery at a landscape scale. As we strive to raise £1,000,000 through our Mission 2030 campaign, having Suffolk Building Society as a long-term partner helps us plan for essential conservation work and deliver new, innovative projects."
For context: The donation is part of the Society's 175 Good Deeds for Suffolk campaign, which marks the building society's 175th year. The campaign has seen staff in branches and head office getting involved in activities including sponsored challenges, environmental projects, school partnerships and volunteering.
The bottom line: Suffolk Building Society is marking its 175th anniversary by investing in organisations that protect vulnerable people and nature across the county.
