A locally-based charity is making the right connections with people suffering from a life-threatening condition thanks to the generosity of a Bury business.
Annabelle’s Challenge is now benefiting from a state-of the art telephony system installed free of charge by technology solutions specialist, Avoira.
The charity says the new Microsoft Direct Routing system will help it better support and advise more people diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
The technology is a game-changer for the Walshaw Road based charity, says founder and CEO Jared Griffin.
“Previously we just had one line in and one out, so if someone was on a call, nobody else could do anything.
Now, we’re bang up to date. We can multi-task, hosting a Teams video call on one laptop whilst taking or making calls on another. Another benefit is that if we’re not in the office we can handle calls remotely.
He added: “We’re dealing with people navigating life with a life-threatening illness so it being so much easier to get hold of us is really important. It’s made a massive difference.
“We’re very grateful to Avoira for generously donating their time and expertise.”
Jared and his wife founded the charity in 2013 after their then three-year old daughter was diagnosed with the condition. Now it serves people across the country who have the rare genetic disorder that affects blood vessels, organs and skin, making them fragile and prone to rupture.
Avoira stepped in to help after Alastair Ralph, its Technology Solutions Pre-Sales specialist, heard how its existing system was limiting the charity’s work.
“Annabelle’s Challenge does such vital work, advising and supporting so many people who are facing the anxieties and daily complications that vascular EDS causes.
“I was delighted that I and Avoira could assist the charity in reaching out to even more sufferers of what is a very serious condition.”
The donation is the latest made by Avoira to support community causes in Bury. The Fusilier Museum, Burrs Live festival, East Lancashire Railway, The Met and Burrs Live festival are among organisations the Salford Street headquartered company has previously supported.