Leeds BS raises over £10,000 for Children in Need

Leeds Building Society has raised over £10,000 so far for the 2009 BBC Children in Need appeal, in a combined effort from Society employees and members.

The fundraising efforts at Head Office on the day were aided by a selection of VIP guests from the Exotic Animal Rescue in Leeds, including a Meerkat, Skunk and 10-foot snake. Staff made a donation to Children in Need to have a photo taken with the exotic animal of their choice. There were a few people who were even brave enough to choose the snake!

Other events taking place in Head Office included a raffle, book sale, pyjama games, fudge sale and a puzzle book quiz.

Gary Brook, Leeds Building Society P.R. Manager said, "We raised £9,500 for the Children in Need appeal in 2008, which we thought would take some beating, so to have passed that amount and with donations being accepted until the end of the year is impressive. Everyone had a lot of fun whilst raising money for a great cause at the same time.

"It is especially commendable when you consider that the Society also contributed, during the autumn, to Change Leeds Day, Jeans for Genes Day and sold Pink Ribbons for Breast Cancer Campaign. The Society has also raised £8,000 throughout 2009 for the three ‘Heads Of' Department charities. These are Martin House Children's Hospice and St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds, and the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle."

Leeds Building Society will be accepting donations for the 2009 BBC Children in Need appeal, throughout its Branch network, until the end of the year. The account number is 1176681102.