Chesterfield based IT and Communications provider, Central Technology is leading the way in Corporate Social Responsibility by announcing local autism charity NORSACA as its annual charity partner.
Central Technology has worked closely with NORSACA for the past three years providing vital managed IT support on a day to day basis and knows first-hand the good work it offers to those affected by autism.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) first became widely used in the business world in the 1960s and involves going beyond looking than how to generate profit – looking at the wider commitment to building a better society. It includes businesses supporting its local community directly through support such as charitable giving and actively getting involved.
NORSACA is the largest specialist autism charity in the East Midlands and was originally founded by a group of parents in 1968. From small beginnings, the charity now runs its own specialist school, residential and day centres plus specialist training for parents and professionals. It operates one of the very few autism-specific diagnostic and assessment centres in the whole country.
The 30-strong company is aiming to raise £3,000 for NORSACA over the next 12 months. The first major fundraising event will be the Chesterfield Marathon in September – one of the biggest participant events in the town for more than 30 years which will see nearly all of the staff at Central Technology either running the full, half or fun run for NORSACA.
Ian Snow, Managing Director of Central Technology comments “We are delighted to be able to support NORSACA. Autism is very close to our hearts with two of our company Directors have family members affected. We know at first-hand how critical the services and support of NORSACA are to families in this region.”
According to a recent paper from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills there are not enough businesses supporting local communities through Corporate Social Responsibility and legislation may be needed to encourage this.
Last year NORSACA celebrated 45 years of supporting people with autism and their families. Autism is a life-long condition and affects around 1% of the population.
NORSACA provides a specialist day school for up to 94 children with autism between the ages of 3 and 19, all of whom are provided with their own individual learning pathway.
NORSACA offers a wide range of services designed to support people affected by autism, including family services, a specialist school, and outreach and supported living services, as well as residential and day services for young people and adults with autism. The charity is reaching out to the local community for donations and fundraising events to keep its vital services running.
Melanie Howard commented “We are really pleased that the team at Central Technology has chosen NORSACA as its charity of the year. The funds that it raises will have a direct impact on the children and families who use our services on a daily basis.
“The support of corporate sponsors is vital so that we can continue our work.”
