The Society was presented with this prestigious award during a Gala Dinner attended by 650 local business leaders at De Montfort Hall on 18th April.

Sponsored by AstraZeneca R&D Charnwood, the award recognises the considerable effort the building society makes in raising funds for and promoting good causes in the Loughborough area.

This is achieved through its Charity of the Year initiative and Community Matters Award scheme. The Charity of the Year was launched in 2007 and follows on from the success of its Community Matters programme – a scheme which was launched in 2004 and gives cash four times a year to worthwhile local projects and charities.

The Charity of the Year during 2007 was Loughborough based The Bridge which provides support and practical help and advice for local people with housing and homelessness related issues. During 2008 the Society will be supporting and raising money for the Leicestershire and Derbyshire Air Ambulance appeal.

Simon Brighty, sales and marketing manager at The Loughborough believes that the Society’s commitment to the community goes further than just the tens of thousands of pounds they raise per year.

“The Loughborough also aims to create as much publicity as possible for the charities they support as they are often unheard of,” says Simon. “Helping to raise public awareness of these good causes is important as small charities and local groups often don't have the expertise to do this for themselves.

“As a regional building society with our roots firmly in the community, it’s been a great boost to win this award, especially for our staff who work so hard to help make a difference.”

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