Livingston company produces charity calendar

Dec 31 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

THREE leading charities are better off thanks to the efforts of a West Lothian-based company.

Leading IT services company AtosOrigin, which is based in Livingston, launched a competition for employees, with the chance to have their photograph in the Atos Origin 2010 Calendar.

And the competition which attracted 133 entries, has led to a calendar which is being sold to raise cash for the Sick Kids Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Maggie’s.

Steve Langmead, vice president - Scotland, said he is delighted with his staff’s efforts.

He said: “The calendar is a quirky way to raise funds and encourage some healthy competition amongst our people. The calendar looks fantastic – we’ve clearly got some hidden creative talents in the company and will definitely be making this an annual event.”

And the company’s work has been welcomed by the groups which will benefit from the calendars’ sale.

Maureen Harrison, Chief Executive, The Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “Thanks again to the staff at Atos Origin for their charitable efforts. The calendar is a great idea and a novel way to fundraise as we head towards the New Year and indeed means that we can support sick children and their families month by month throughout the year.”

Sharon Sheridan, Volunteer Manager, Cancer Research UK added: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of supporters like Atos Origin without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research.”

Valerie Busher from Maggie’s Dundee said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Atos Origin for supporting Maggie’s again this year. We rely on local communities to allow us to provide the much needed support that people can avail of in our centres.”