ILKLEY charities are among thousands to benefit across the country thanks to the generosity of customers at the Yorkshire Building Society.

Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, which is largely made up of customers donating the pence of their annual interest, has announced it has donated more than £6million since its first donation in 1999, with £4,100 being donated to charities in Ilkley.

Addingham Community First Responder and Heartstart Group, and West Yorkshire Animals in Need are just two examples of good causes that have been on the receiving end of donations after being recommended for support by customers locally – with each donation contributing to the Charitable Foundation reaching the £6million milestone.

Outside The Box, a community café with supports adults with learning difficulties, was recently given £2,000 to buy new kitchen equipment.

Rebecca Hadwin, manager of Yorkshire Building Society’s Ilkley branch, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to support the Charitable Foundation’s fantastic announcement that it has broken the £6million barrier. I’m especially pleased to see that many of these donations have been made in support of charities and good causes in Ilkley and our surrounding communities.”

More than 20,000 donations have been made across the country since the Charitable Foundation was established. It is supported financially by the innovative Small Change Big Difference® scheme which encourages the Society’s customers to donate the pence of the interest on their mortgage and savings accounts once a year.

Andy Caton, executive director and Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation Trustee, added: “Being able to announce we’ve donated such a fantastic amount of money over the years is a very proud moment for the Charitable Foundation, but the real thanks goes to all those customers who give generously through the Small Change Big Difference® scheme every year. Together we’re proving that pennies really do add up and can make all the difference to those who need it.

“As a mutual building society, we understand the role some of the charities we’ve had the pleasure of supporting play in communities, and we’re committed to supporting all charities, large and small, that our customers are passionate about.”

More than 17,000 (84 per cent) of the donations made to charities and good causes in the last 15 years have been recommended by Yorkshire, Chelsea, Barnsley and N&P customers, with the rest made up of applications received directly from registered charities.

If you're a registered charity, a charitable cause, or a member who wishes to nominate their favourite charity visit the website: www.ybs.co.uk for more information.