The Leeds Building Society has made a £1,000 donation to a water sports based charity which works with disadvantaged/at risk young people and disabled people of all ages.
The AHOY Centre has used the donation, from the Society’s Charitable Foundation, to purchase safety equipment allowing their participants to enjoy sailing and boating activities on the Thames.
The charity, based at Borthwick Street, Deptford in London, has used the £1,000 donation towards the purchase of 70 waterproof jackets, 40 pairs of waterproof trousers and 80 buoyancy aids.
Nayna Patel, branch manager at Leeds Building Society’s London Kingsway branch, recently visited The AHOY Centre to meet their apprentices, participants and volunteers and tour the centre. She also tried on one of the new buoyancy aids, and had photos taken on the slipway with their Sailability group.
She said: “We are delighted to make this donation and support The AHOY Centre. As a building society, we are owned by our members and are pleased to support good causes in the communities where we and our members live and work.”
Clive Ongley, AHOY’s CEO, said: “Becoming involved with the AHOY makes so much difference to the lives of many disabled and ‘at risk’ groups who are given the chance to become involved and motivated, focusing their minds and providing channels for their energy within an exciting environment.
“We bring together people from many walks of life to work together as a community helping others. All our activities and programmes are focussed on teaching transferable and employable skills.
“Our achievements would not be possible without the commitment and help of our funders and supporters, such as Leeds Building Society’s Charitable Foundation and our wonderful volunteers.”