Zoopla says it is committed to raise at least £25,000 for the national housing and homelessness charity through this year.

As part of their commitment to make a difference and raise awareness of the issues surrounding bad housing and homelessness, Zoopla says it will work closely with Shelter to help support their charitable efforts and will participate, donate directly and identify new opportunities to raise funds in 2012.

Zoopla employees have already donated over £7,500 themselves via payroll giving alone and committing to numerous events throughout the year, including Shelter’s annual Vertical Rush in early March, which involves scaling the 920 steps of Tower 42 in the City.

Zoopla also plans to make fundraising for Shelter an integral part of the numerous trade events and awards it sponsors throughout 2012.

Alex Chesterman, founder and CEO of Zoopla, said: “Shelter does an outstanding job trying to help those have fallen on hard times. We recognise that charities like Shelter rely heavily on donations from businesses like ours and we are keen to do what we can. Our team are motivated and to meet or exceed the fundraising targets we have set for this year and to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.””