I AM Celebrating Autism Secures Ongoing Funding from Zochonis Charitable Trust
Manchester, August 2024 – We are pleased to share that the Zochonis Charitable Trust will continue to support I AM Celebrating Autism with funding this year. While the level of funding has been reduced due to a challenging financial period for the Trust, we are grateful to receive £16,000, which will help us continue our vital work supporting individuals and families across Greater Manchester.
The funding is expected to be transferred to our account in the coming days, and it will be allocated to key areas where it can have the greatest impact on our members and the autism community.
Nick Foster, CEO of I AM Celebrating Autism, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support:
“We understand the difficult circumstances many charities are facing right now, and we deeply appreciate Zochonis’ continued commitment to helping us. This funding will make a meaningful difference, ensuring we can keep providing essential support and resources to those who rely on us.”
There is potential for additional funding later in the year, depending on the Trust’s income. This situation occurred in a previous year when an initial grant was supplemented after additional funds became available. However, we understand that no guarantees can be made at this time.
We remain optimistic and committed to finding new ways to sustain and grow our impact, and we are grateful to all our funders and supporters who believe in our mission to celebrate and empower individuals with autism.
Notes to Editors
About I AM Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester:
The Autistic Society Greater Manchester Area (ASGMA), trading as I AM Celebrating Autism, is a dedicated charity committed to empowering autistic individuals and promoting greater awareness and understanding across the community. Based in Stretford, Manchester, the organisation provides vital services, advocacy, and support for autistic people and their families.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Judith Sandground
I AM Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester
1114 Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0HL
Email: judith.sandground@i-am-autism.org.uk
Phone: 0161 866 8483
About Zochonis Charitable Trust:
Sir John Zochonis founded the Zochonis Charitable Trust in 1977 to support charities operating primarily in the Northwest of England, close to the Manchester headquarters of PZ Cussons. Its aim was to provide financial assistance in the spheres of health, education, youth and social equity. This remains the principal focus of the Trust with important support also being given to charities operating in Ghana and Sierra Leone.
The Zochonis family manages the Trust independently from the Company using dividends from its PZ Cussons shareholding to fund its charitable donations. By the Trust’s fortieth anniversary over £55 million had been donated to charitable causes. Today, as members of the Zochonis family have bequeathed additional shares, around 13% of PZ Cussons dividends go to the Trust every year.
This important work is a source of pride but has been happening behind the scenes without fanfare. To mark its fortieth anniversary the Trust published a booklet to share short stories from some of those charities it supports.
If you have any questions about the work of the Zochonis Charitable Trust, please contact:
Marie E Gallagher (Miss)
Management Assistant
The Zochonis Charitable Trust
Manchester Business Park
3500 Aviator Way
Manchester
M22 5TG
Email: marie.gallagher@zochonischaritabletrust.com
