Darlington Building Society praised as ‘model’ supporter of Multibank

DARLINGTON Building Society has been praised as “a model supporter” by a charity providing aid to a huge number of North East families in need.

The Society has become a valued partner of the Tees Valley Multibank since it was opened by The Junction Foundation in November last year.

Multibanks were based on an idea by former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and there are now six operating in the UK, connecting families with basic goods including clothing, bedding, toiletries, crockery, and hygiene products.

The latest demonstration of the Society’s support for the Tees Valley Multibank is a grant of £2,500 from an annual pledge to donate 5% of profits to good causes.

The donation was presented by the Society’s Chief People Officer, Helen Easton, to Multibank Manager, Simon Nott.

Helen, who has a wealth of experience in the retail sector, is among key staff from the Society who have provided expertise to the Multibank.

Helen, who has advised on logistics and people management, said: “The Multibank is doing such amazing work to help families in need across the Tees Valley. It’s sad that there is such a demand, but it has been a privilege and a joy to be able to offer our support in a variety of ways.”

The Society’s Chief Technology Officer, Jonathan Harwood, also provides invaluable guidance as a trustee of The Junction Foundation. He said: "The Junction Foundation has such an important mission in our local area, and as a trustee, I get to see first-hand how it lives and breathes its values.

“Being a trustee really is a great way to support charities, providing both time and specialist skills to help guide and challenge. This way of supporting can be as crucial as more traditional contributions – and just as rewarding.

“The multibank model provides critical support to those in need, and it's great to see the purpose resonating with local businesses and other contributors. It all really makes a difference ensuring families in the Tees Valley get vital support."

Another example of the Society’s support came last December when members of staff used their volunteering days to wrap Christmas presents at the Multibank’s warehouse in Middlesbrough.

Simon Nott said: “Any financial contribution from Darlington Building Society is, of course, hugely welcome but the support of the Society goes much deeper – it is a proper partnership.

“It’s amazing how many ways the Society has found to help us – it has become a model supporter, and we’d love to establish more relationships like it with other organisations because that kind of long-term partnership makes such a difference.”

The Multibank, which is supported by Amazon and several local authorities, had a target to distribute 750,000 items in its first year but it has already topped that with 1.4m items distributed within its first eight months. 

So far, it has helped 99,000 households, 202,000 individuals, and built up a network of 1,190 referral partners.

Darlington Building Society is also taking a table at The Junction Foundation’s fundraising ball, A Night Under The Stars, at Wynyard Hall on November 15.

Interested in attending the ball? email rebecca.jones@thejunctionfoundation.com or take a look at our events page.