Supporting Lancashire charities through affinity savings

Lancashire savers can help raise funds for local charities without spending a penny, thanks to our relaunched Affinity Saver accounts.  

With a variable interest rate, our new Online Affinity Saver and branch Affinity Saver enable account holders to choose one of four charities to support: The Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation, Pendleside Hospice, Trinity Hospice or the North West Air Ambulance.

Each year, the Society will donate 0.50% of the total average balance of all Affinity Saver accounts to the chosen charity. This means that the more money saved in those accounts, the more money the Society will donate.

The Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation launched in 2023 and has already awarded £30,000 in grants to non-profit organisations across Lancashire. The Foundation aims to support projects in the county focussed on three key themes; financial well-being, societal inclusion, and the environment.

Pendleside Hospice (External) provides compassionate care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Burnley and Pendle communities, while Trinity Hospice (External) serves the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areas. The North West Air Ambulance provides urgent, pre-hospital care to the most critically ill and injured patients across the North West.

 Rob Pheasey, Chief Executive at Marsden Building Society, commented: “Following the successful launch of the Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation, we wanted to find more ways to make a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve. Through the relaunch of our Affinity Savers, we’re pleased to offer local people an easy way to raise funds for causes close to their hearts. All the money donated comes directly from the Society, so members can grow their savings whilst helping us do something truly amazing for the local community.”

Helen McVey, Chief Executive at Pendleside Hospice, added: “This type of funding is a vital income source for us, as it not only enables the smooth running of the hospice, but funds a number of crucial initiatives for people living in our community. In addition to our inpatient unit, we also provide hospice at home care, health, wellbeing and rehabilitation programmes, family bereavement support and a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service that sees up to 100 meals cooked and delivered every day. We’re thrilled that the Marsden Building Society Affinity Saver has been relaunched and would like to extend our thanks to current and future account holders for their support.”

Janet Atkins, Corporate Partnership Manager at Trinity Hospice, added: “What a wonderful way for local people to support hospice care in their area through Marsden Building Society’s savings scheme. We’re so grateful that our charity has been selected to receive funds in this way. Every penny donated to us by Marsden Building Society will go towards providing outstanding hospice care to people across the Fylde coast whenever they need it, wherever they are.”

Rachel Bates, Corporate and Trusts Manager at North West Air Ambulance, added: “The North West Air Ambulance Charity makes a lifesaving difference to people in life-threatening or limb-threatening situations, across the whole of the North West. Marsden Building Society are long term supporters and the donations from generous affinity account savers enables us to keep our crew equipped with the best medical equipment and skills to treat those who need it most. This support is vital as the North West Air Ambulance Charity is not part of the NHS and does not receive government funding. We are delighted to be part of this initiative.”

The Affinity Saver accounts are available to new and existing Marsden Building Society members. Accounts can be opened online or in a branch.