This month’s winner of Shanly Group’s charity prize draw is Julian Stone, CEO of Maidenhead-based Pythagoras, a strategic Microsoft consultancy partner and tenant of Sorbon Estates. Pythagoras has nominated two local charities, who will share the donation: The Link Foundation, a children-focused charity that provides support to families during times of hardship, and Daisy’s Dream, also a Berkshire based children’s charity. Daisy’s Dream provides support to families affected by illness or bereavement.
Julian, who started his 120-strong business 20 years ago in central Maidenhead, has long admired both charities for their outstanding work in the community and has fundraised for them over the years. Supporting children and families in the area is important to the firm, who works closely with non-for-profit organisations and recognises the challenges smaller charities face in attracting support from donors.
Tamra Booth, Operations Director at the Shanly Group, said: “We are delighted that Julian has selected such worthwhile charities to be recipients of the donation. Both are renowned for their fantastic work in helping local families facing significant difficulties.”
Julian Stone, CEO of Pythagoras, said: “We are committed to investing and giving something back to the area, and families in and around Maidenhead are a central part of this thriving community. Sadly, sometimes families need help during hard times and I know how The Link Foundation has helped those trying to escape domestic abuse, to those that need some financial support. Being able to make this donation before Christmas is fantastic for both charities and I hope will go some way to helping more children in the New Year.”
Una Loughrey, Chairman of The Link Foundation, said: “We were were incredibly grateful for the very generous donation of £1,250, which we are using to help fund our Christmas campaign, ensuring that as many disadvantaged children receive a dinner on Christmas day.  Our thanks to the Shanly Group and Pythagoras for their ongoing support.”
Zoe Nightingale, fundraiser for Daisy’s Dream, said: “We are thrilled to have received this £1,250 donation from The Shanly Group, which will enable us to provide our valuable bereavement support to children and their families living in and around Maidenhead.”