On Wednesday 7th September 2016, Cherry Lodge was the grateful recipient of an Atul Pathak Community Award.
Each year, Athul Pathak, the managing director of Appt Corporation, a franchised group of 29 McDonald’s restaurants in North and West London and Berkshire, provides one-off donations of between £250 and £1,000 and a year-long corporate partnership to registered charities and community groups in areas where his group’s restaurants are located.
Atul believes that running a business and being socially responsible are inextricably linked, which stems back to the values instilled in him since childhood. These values are about giving back and supporting others. It is this philosophy which Atul carries forward in his business and is highlighted in his motto: “We are part of the community and it is our duty to give something back to our community.”
The awards were presented to charity and community group representatives at a reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Atul Pathak and attended by London and Berkshire MPs (including Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, at whose suggestion we made our application). Cherry Lodge’s award for £750 was collected by Fiona Kiddle (CL Macmillan Information Nurse Specialist) and Christine Halloran (CL Trustee), who both had a very enjoyable evening. The money is to be spent on providing workshops for people who are ‘Facing the Challenge of Change’ after completing their radical treatment for cancer.