Hanley Economic Building Society celebrated its remarkable 170-year anniversary in 2024 by embarking on an ambitious community initiative: 170 days of volunteering to support local charities and causes. With a shared commitment to giving back, the team exceeded all expectations by completing an impressive 173 days of volunteering—a testament to the Society’s dedication to making a positive impact in Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.
“Community engagement is a key driving force for Hanley Economic, but none of this would be possible without the incredible support of our Members,” said Vicki Hardie, Community Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to contribute to the well-being of our local community by supporting charities that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Our ongoing community volunteering work, partnerships with charities, and our Hanley at Home Fund reflect our commitment to building a better future for all.”
A Strong Start for 2025
As we enter our 171st year, we’re proud to continue this legacy with a target to match and surpass 170 days of volunteering again this year. So far, we have supported a range of local charities and causes, including Alice Charity, National Literacy Trust, Staffordshire Sight Loss Association, Swan Bank Church (where Vicki volunteered on Christmas Day), Business 5s Charity Football Tournament, Symmetrical North Staffs, Age UK, Dougie Mac, and Potters' Arf.
Vicki's inspiring contribution on Christmas Day marked a significant milestone, completing our 42nd day of volunteering towards the 2024/2025 target. She volunteered at Swan Bank Church, where she helped deliver Christmas meals to people in the community and transported guests to and from the church for their Christmas lunch. Deliveries were made to individuals who were bed-bound, disabled, or alone.
The experience was both heart-warming and touching. Reflecting on the day, Vicki shared, “It brought home to me how lucky I am and highlighted the number of people who are in need at all times, not just at Christmas.” Swan Bank Church served over 80 meals for guests at the church, delivered 328 meals to the community, and provided food to 20 rough sleepers—a total of 428 people who received food on Christmas Day.
Honouring a Legacy
The Hanley Economic story began in 1854, founded as ‘The Staffordshire Potteries Economic Permanent Benefit Building Society’ by Lord Granville. Rooted in a mission to foster thrift and make housing more accessible, the Society has grown from modest beginnings with just £629 in assets to the thriving organisation it is today. While much has changed since those early days, our core values remain steadfast: a commitment to our Members, our community, and creating a brighter future for all.
Looking Ahead
This year, we’re aiming to break our previous volunteering record and surpass the impressive 173 days achieved in 2024. Our target is to hit the goal by August 31st. Here’s to another year of giving back, breaking records, and building stronger communities together.
