The Cambridge Building Society has donated hundreds of essential items to local charities after customers and colleagues supported its Christmas Giving Tree campaign.
Items including food, toiletries, towels and sleeping bags were left under Giving Trees across the society’s branches and have now been delivered to community partners supporting people in need across Cambridgeshire.
Members of The Cambridge’s leadership team visited Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, It Takes A City, Emmaus Cambridge and Jimmy’s Cambridge on 17 and 18 December to deliver the donated hampers.
Peter Burrows, chief executive at The Cambridge, said: “The Christmas Giving Tree campaign has been a fantastic way for colleagues and customers to come together and support those in our community who need it most at this time of year.
“We are extremely thankful for the generosity shown, and it has been inspiring to see first-hand how these donations will help individuals and families during the winter months.”
Richard Brockbank, chief financial officer at The Cambridge, alongside team members and campaign founders Holly Smith and Natasha Ustamehmetoglu, visited Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, which supports people in Cambridgeshire living with advanced serious illness, life-limiting conditions or requiring end-of-life care.
Carole Charter, chief commercial officer, joined by team member Hamzah Hussain, visited Jimmy’s Cambridge, a charity providing housing and support to people who are rough sleeping (main image).
Burrows also visited Crossways, part of It Takes A City, with team member Joanne Allwood, where they learned more about the organisation’s work to prevent homelessness and tackle the cycle of poverty across Cambridge.
Matt Nelson, coordinator and community engagement manager at Crossways (It Takes A City), said: “The generosity shown by colleagues and customers of The Cambridge Building Society has been truly heartening.
“For many people, Christmas can be an especially challenging time. These gifts are a powerful reminder that others are thinking of them, and they will help bring comfort and a sense of care as our guests continue to rebuild their lives.”
Sandhya Kawar, chief risk officer at The Cambridge, accompanied by team member Hayley Davey, visited Emmaus Cambridge, where she toured the facilities and spoke with staff and residents about the charity’s work supporting people who have experienced homelessness.
The Christmas Giving Tree campaign forms part of The Cambridge Building Society’s Community Partnership scheme, which sees colleagues support local charities throughout the year. Over the past 12 months, staff have volunteered their time across a range of initiatives to support partner organisations.
