Hilton upgrades charity computers to support UK families
A new computer system funded by Hilton in the Community Foundation for the Dyspraxia Foundation will help thousands of UK families get the support they need.
Hilton in the Community Foundation answered an appeal from the charity who were struggling with an outdated IT system to meet the thousands of requests for help the charity receives each year.
Dyspraxia Foundation General Manager Eleanor Howes said: �We are over the moon with the new system which means we are up to date at last and can work much more efficiently. It is making a great difference to us. Already we are able to run programmes to print our own factsheets and we can now use the latest software for mailings. We really are grateful to Hilton for this support.�
Reg Parsons from the Hilton in the Community Foundation said:
�I was delighted to be able to visit the team at the Dyspraxia Foundation and have the opportunity to hear first-hand about the excellent work that they undertake. They had a desperate need to purchase a new computer system which was vital to the day to day running of the organization and with this technology they could better support the 34 local support groups around the UK. All of these groups are volunteer led and train teachers to recognise and create an awareness of dyspraxia symptoms presented by their pupils as well as giving diagnostic and treatment advice and offering support in the community. These new computers will also help support the growing social media platforms which both children and parents use to seek advice and support as well as numerous fundraising opportunities.
It has been wonderful that the Hilton in the Community Foundation has been able to provide this support for the Dyspraxia Foundation and very special thanks must go to the tireless and dedicated voluntary fundraising undertaken principally by team members of Hilton Worldwide.�
Hilton in the Community Foundation donated £8,643.89 to fund the replacement of the head office computer system which was old, slow, suffered frequent breakdowns and insufficient disk space to cope with the increasing workload. Each year the charity based in Hitchin Hertfordshire receives over 10,000 calls for help about adults and children with dyspraxia. ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact the Dyspraxia Foundation Office on 01462 455016 or email [email protected]. A photo is available.
About Hilton in the Community Foundation
Hilton in the Community Foundation was founded in 2000 as Hilton Worldwide's charity vehicle in Europe dedicated to supporting young people in need by combating exclusion and providing skills, aspirations and opportunities. Focussed on improving access to, and the quality of, education and healthcare, the Foundation mobilises local giving and targets four key areas: disabled children, children in hospitals, children's hospices and homelessness. Grants help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Europe. The Foundation works across Europe and seeks to complement and promote Hilton Worldwide�s global commitment to corporate social responsibility �Travel with Purpose�.
The Foundation's core costs are funded by Hilton Worldwide, so every net pound or euro raised goes directly to good causes. Donations are funded almost entirely through the generous efforts and contributions of team members, family and friends and with the support of guests and company suppliers. Since its establishment in November 2000 the Foundation has raised over £12 million for charity.
To find out more please visit our website: www.hilton-foundation.org.uk
About dyspraxia
Developmental dyspraxia is an impairment or immaturity of the organisation of movement. It is an immaturity in the way that the brain processes information, which results in messages not being properly or fully transmitted. Dyspraxia affects the planning of what to do and how to do it. It is associated with problems of perception, language and thought.
Dyspraxia is thought to affect 5-10% of the population and up to two per cent severely. Males are three times more likely to be affected than females. Dyspraxia sometimes runs in families and there may be an overlap with other related conditions. Statistically, it is likely that there are two children in every class of 30 children with dyspraxia and there are many adults who are unaware that they have the condition.