🌍 International Charity Day 2025: A Year of Impact at Hanley Economic

At Hanley Economic Building Society, community is more than a value—it’s a legacy. As we celebrate International Charity Day 2025, we’re proud to look back on a year filled with generosity, teamwork, and meaningful change.

🎯 Community Days: A Record-Breaking Year

• Target: 170 Community Days
• Achieved: 204
• Exceeded By: 34 Days
• Participation: 100% of colleagues took part—our first ever full-team involvement!

This milestone reflects the incredible dedication of our people, who made time to support causes close to our hearts despite busy schedules.

🧡 Volunteering & Fundraising Highlights

• 🏔️ Mount Snowdon Charity Climb – 2 July 2025
  A group of colleagues climbed Mount Snowdon in just four hours, braving strong winds and sunny spells. Their efforts raised £590 for partner charities and contributed to our growing total of community days.
• 🎄 Swan Bank Church – Christmas Day Volunteering
  Colleagues served and delivered 428 meals to those who were alone, disabled, or housebound. We also provided transport to and from the church, ensuring no one spent the day in isolation.
• ⚽ Business 5s Charity Football Tournament
  We raised funds through sport while building team spirit and supporting local causes.
• 🧓 Age UK Stafford & District
  We donated a cheque and volunteered to support older adults with companionship and care.
• 🏃 Potters’ Arf Marathon
  Our team volunteered at this iconic local event, supporting runners and raising awareness.
• 🌼 Dougie Mac Hospice
  We supported those with life-limiting illnesses through fundraising and volunteering.

💸 Hanley at Home Fund: Supporting Local Charities

Through our partnership with the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire, we awarded £28,907 in grants to seven outstanding charities:

• Age UK Stafford & District
• Katharine House Hospice
• Staffordshire Sight Loss Association
• Symmetrical North Staffs
• Walk Ministries
• Number 11
• Disability Solutions West Midlands

These grants supported services like financial education, life skills training, and independent living support.

In March 2025, The Hanley at home fund disbursed just over £7,000 to several deserving charities, this was awarded to:

• Number 11
• The Gingerbread Centre
• Walk Ministries

💰 Charity Saver Contributions

Thanks to our members who supported our Dougie Mac Saver (now closed) and Charity Saver accounts, we’re proud to donate the following amounts to our partner charities:

• Dougie Mac: £26,426.36
• Glow: £2,057.95
• YMCA: £2,057.95
• Alice Charity: £2,057.95

While formal cheque presentations are still to come, these donations represent the power of community-driven savings and the impact of everyday financial choices.

🎉 Celebrating 100 Years of Stoke-on-Trent

To mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary, Hanley Economic launched the Centenary Fixed Rate Bond Account, offering a 3.25% interest rate and donating £360 to local charities. A prize draw celebrated loyal members, with winners receiving £500 cheques at our Biddulph branch.

We also ran a drawing competition inviting artwork that reflects the spirit of Stoke-on-Trent- engaging all ages in a creative celebration of community.

💬 Voices from the Team

“Volunteering on Christmas Day was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces made it all worthwhile.”
-Vicki Hardie, People & Community Engagement Officer

“This initiative is a shining example of how local businesses can give back in meaningful ways,” said Jo Cooper, Partnerships Manager at the Community Foundation. “The range of organisations supported reflects the diversity of needs in our community, and we’re proud to help facilitate that impact.”

“The Hanley at Home Fund is about more than just housing—it’s about helping people live independently and with dignity,” said Vicki Hardie, People and Community Engagement Officer at Hanley Economic. “From financial literacy to post-hospital support, these charities are delivering life-changing services. It’s a privilege to help them continue their work.”

🚀 Looking Ahead

With the new financial year underway, we’re more motivated than ever to continue making a difference. Our goal is to match or exceed our volunteering achievements and continue building strong, supportive relationships with local charities and causes.

To every colleague who gave their time, energy, and heart- thank you. You’ve helped build a legacy of kindness that will inspire for years to come.