James Donaldson & Sons Ltd is celebrating its 150th anniversary by leaving a legacy to benefit local communities rather than “waste money in short-term revelry”.
The Scottish timber company has already donated £150,000 to the charity, the Donaldson Leadership Academy, it started two years ago, and it now hopes to double that figure through the generosity of shareholders and suppliers.
The charity helps disadvantaged children to realise their true potential and challenge their low expectations for the future.
Children are taken to social enterprise Columba 1400 on the Isle of Skye, where they learn to develop team skills, self worth and confidence. In the past two years the charity has sent 32 young people from the Levenmouth area, where the company was founded.
“Seeing the effect this experience can have on children is incredibly moving,” said Donaldson CEO Neil Donaldson.