Photo – Alan Mak MP and TSB staff display winning entries from the branch’s piggy bank competition
MP Alan Mak praised the fund-raising awareness and community action of local banks and building societies as he toured the Hayling Island branch of TSB.
Mak visited the Mengham bank and met with branch staff, before sitting down with Area Performance Manager Sarah Pike and Branch Manager Francessca Dann to discuss TSB’s Children Financial Literacy Programme.
The programme saw TSB invite children from Mill Rise Infant School to help the branch raise money for charity by creating and colouring their own piggy banks. Winners from four year groups, aged between four and seven, were chosen to be displayed in the branch where they will collect charitable donations.
All proceeds are to be given to local care provider The Rowans Hospice, with whom TSB have developed a close relationship following previous charitable initiatives. Last year TSB workers presented a cheque of £400 to the hospice following a successful fund-raising campaign. The hospice, which provides specialist care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, were hugely appreciative of the efforts by local TSB staff.
Following his visit, Mak said: “I was delighted to visit the TSB branch in Mengham, Hayling Island. It is an excellent example of how banks and building societies are invested in the local community in more than purely monetary terms. The Children’s Financial Literacy Programme is a terrific initiative to help younger members of our community learn the importance of saving and being sensible with money.”
The Havant MP added: “It is also an excellent way of helping to raise money for deserving local causes such as The Rowans Hospice. It is vital that children see the benefits of charitable activity, which Francessca and her team at TSB have been so successful in promoting. The piggy banks were wonderfully colourful, and congratulations to all the winners, it has made me want to make my own!”
Hayling TSB’s Branch Manager Francessca Dann said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Alan Mak MP into our Hayling Island branch today. TSB is committed to the local community and it was very useful to discuss with Alan our efforts to bring more competition to banking and support the local area, including through our Local Charity Partnership Programme.”
She added: “Alan was pleased to hear of our work with the Children’s Financial Literacy Programme, which promotes savings, safety, and sensible banking practise from a young age. We hope to work with Alan further to develop our local links and ensure TSB continues to serve the local community.”
Alan Mak has actively supported banks and building societies since his election as MP for Havant in May 2015. He sits on the Bank of England Bill Committee which recently put forward proposals to increase regulation and improve efficiency at the central bank.
Mak also sits on All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) for Financial Markets and Services, and Small Businesses, which work closely with the sector to raise standards and increase community integration.