Today (Thursday 10th October) marks World Homeless Day, an internationally recognised day to raise awareness of the global issue of homelessness.

In dozens of countries around the world, communities will be coming together to help those who are homeless and to recognise the work carried out by those trying to end homelessness once and for all.

At Charter Savings Bank we’re committed to supporting schemes and charities which have a positive and lasting impact in their communities.

In 2017, we proudly made Socks and Chocs our official charity partner and for the past three years we’ve been raising money for them. Socks and Chocs aims to relieve hardship and distress among homeless people and those living in adverse housing.

Socks and Chocs was set up in 2010 by former policeman Ian Northcott, who was shocked at the plight of the homeless people he saw living rough on the streets of Birmingham.

Since we started supporting the charity in 2017, we’ve raised more than £218,000 to enable it to continue carrying out its vital work, and we’re committed to supporting it for the next 12 months.

Ian is a regular visitor to Charter Savings Bank’s head office, often stopping by to say thanks for the hard work and effort that our people show, whilst also giving an update on Socks and Chocs’ progress in the community.

Over the past three years we’ve helped to raise money in a variety of weird and wonderful ways, including bake offs and dress down days. However it doesn’t stop there - here’s a few other ways our people have gone the extra mile in 2019:

• Vélo Birmingham & Midlands

  Our people are passionate about causes they care about and, this year, Head of Non Personal Savings and Operations, Simon Reed completed the 100 mile Birmingham Velo in 05:40, raising nearly £1,500 for Socks and Chocs.

• Charity Golf Day

  This year we celebrated World Homeless Day differently – through a charitable golf tournament. 15 teams entered and played a round of golf, also gaining access to our popular charitable auction. The day was a huge success, helping raise over £20,000, all of which will go to Socks and Chocs’ cause to help the homeless.

• The Shrewsbury Dragon Boat Race

  For two years running, Charter Savings Bank has entered a team in the Shrewsbury Dragon Boat race, raising funds by racing dozens of other teams along the River Severn. We’re also joint corporate sponsors, meaning we get our own branded boat!

• Birmingham Simply Health 10k

  Each year we rally the troops and enter a team into the Great Birmingham 10k run. As well as being really proud of the amount of money we raise for charity, a large number of our people enjoy keeping fit, and love the challenge of training and preparing for a worthy cause.

Thanks in part to our help, Socks and Chocs has been able to expand its mission and now funds life-skills courses, pays the rent for homeless shelters and also provides valuable support to help people back into permanent living accommodation.