Wales Building Society Completes £25K Charity Fund

When Alun Williams marked 25 years leading Swansea Building Society, he didn't ask for a gold watch or a party. Instead, he launched a £25,000 fund to help the communities that supported his journey.

The final £3,000 from that fund just went to YMCA Cardiff, a charity that's been lifting up young people in Wales' capital for more than 170 years. The organization provides housing and support for homeless youth, along with education, training, and wellbeing programs that help vulnerable people build independent futures.

This donation completes a giving spree that included £20,000 to Faith in Families and £2,000 to Llys Nini. Each charity tackles different challenges, but they share one thing in common: they're changing lives in practical, measurable ways.

YMCA Cardiff helps some of Cardiff's most vulnerable residents overcome enormous challenges. Their programs give young people experiencing homelessness not just a roof, but real opportunities to develop confidence and independence.

Williams became the longest-serving building society CEO in the entire UK when he hit the 25-year milestone. Rather than making it about personal achievement, he turned the anniversary into community impact.

The Ripple Effect

This £25,000 fund represents something bigger than three charitable donations. It shows how businesses can weave community support into their DNA, not just their marketing budget.

Andrew Templeton, YMCA Cardiff's Chief Executive, highlighted how donations like this keep their vital services running. The money doesn't just help the charity. It helps every young person who walks through their doors looking for hope.

Swansea Building Society didn't stop with the anniversary fund either. They're continuing their regular community support programs, including a 2026 partnership with Prostate Cymru.

Williams said the fund celebrates values that have always driven the Society: supporting communities and backing organizations that make genuine differences in people's lives. That philosophy turned a personal milestone into community transformation.

Three charities now have extra resources to continue their life-changing work across Wales.