The Vernon Building Society hosted its seventh annual Community Awards presentation evening, donating over £10,000 to 14 charities in Stockport.
The Vernon prides itself on supporting its local community and the people within it, with the Community Awards initiative giving local groups an opportunity to receive significant funding opportunities that aren’t readily available elsewhere.
Millie’s Trust, which provides paediatric first-aid courses to new parents, nurseries, schools and businesses, topped the public vote with 3,324 votes and received a total award of £1,500.
CEO Joanne Thompson said: “Millie’s Trust are very proud to have the support of so many local people and businesses, such as the Vernon Building Society, that allows us to gain funds to use in our own community.
“We are looking forward to working on our Stockport Schools Project in 2019 that will see over 1,000 local children trained in basic life-savings skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
The Vernon staff award, which gives Vernon employees the ability to donate an extra £500 of funding, went to Beechwood Cancer Care Centre.
Beechwood will use the money to fund a therapeutic outdoor bereavement programme for children and young people.
Linda Steggles, Chief Executive at Beechwood Cancer Care Centre: “It was a pleasure to be at the presentation evening and to meet the other fantastic finalists.
“We are delighted to be one of Vernon’s Community Awards beneficiaries and look forward to working more closely with them in the future.”
Competition winner John Varley decided that all proceeds from the Vernon’s 2019 charity calendar sales will go to Signpost Stockport for Carers after he was given the option to select his most deserving charity.
Adventure Mexico 2020, the Marple-based Guide group that is empowering young women and girls, has been awarded £1,250 after placing second in the public vote, while Middlewood Riding for the Disabled Group was in third place with a £1,100 contribution.
Alexander Deakin, Marketing Manager at the Vernon, said: “The awards evening was an absolute success, and a very special occasion.
“We had the opportunity to listen to the stories of multiple charities across Stockport who are making a real difference in the local community.
“To be able to be part of their journeys and help fund the inspiring projects they are undertaking is a true honour.”