10 charities receive an unexpected anniversary gift

Systematic donates ten times DKK 40,000 to local organisations to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. “It should be places where the money really makes a difference,” says Systematic founder Michael Holm.

When software company Systematic celebrated its 40th anniversary, it wasn’t only with speeches and cake – the local community also received a gift. Ten local organisations each got a call from Systematic with the news that they would receive a donation of DKK 40,000.

“We had two criteria when selecting the organisations: They had to be locally rooted, and of a size where DKK 40,000 would make a tangible difference,” explains Systematic founder and Chairman of the Board, Michael Holm.

Help that matters

The recipients range from Veteranhjem Midtjylland (Veterans’ Home Central Jutland) and Reden to the Smilfonden charity and Café Exit Aarhus. What they have in common is that they run voluntary or social initiatives, often stretching small budgets a long way.
At Veterans’ Home Midtjylland, the donation brings the dream of an outdoor firepit closer to reality.

“Fire gathers people. Sitting around a fire creates a special atmosphere and a sense of calm. We can’t always fit many indoors around our fireplace, so we’ve long wished for a meeting place outdoors. We even had it designed by an architect, but it’s expensive. That’s why we are deeply grateful that Systematic is supporting us,” says local chairman Mads Fahrenholtz.

At Reden Aarhus, a refuge for vulnerable women, the donation also comes at the right time. The funds will help strengthen services for users.

“With the donation we can, for example, expand our health facilities, where volunteer doctors and nurses help women who would otherwise rarely see a doctor. The money makes a real difference – and the backing is equally important: showing users, volunteers and the public that companies like Systematic support us,” says manager Anders Sørensen.

For Michael Holm, the initiative is about giving back to Systematic’s birthplace – Aarhus – and to all those who make a difference in the community every day.

“Today we have offices and customers all over the world, but 40 years ago we were just a small venture in a villa in Risskov. When you become successful globally, it feels right and natural to give back to your roots,” he says.

The ten organisations receiving DKK 40,000:

Veteranhjem Midtjylland (Veterans' Home Central Jutland): Safe space and community for veterans and their families.

EHood: Helping vulnerable young people back into wellbeing, school and community through gaming, physical activity and digital pedagogy.

Teenhouse: Crisis centre supporting vulnerable children and young people through care, counselling and guidance.

Reden Aarhus: Anonymous drop-in and counselling centre for women in vulnerable life situations.

Café Exit Aarhus: Faith-based association helping current and former prisoners to take responsibility, break cycles and reintegrate into society.

TrygFonden’s Family House: Safe base for families with seriously ill children receiving treatment at Aarhus University Hospital.

PTSD Løb (PTSD Run): National initiative raising funds for the Danish Association for PTSD sufferers and relatives.

Smilfonden: Charity supporting children with serious and chronic illnesses through community and social activities.

Fri af Misbrug (“Free from Addiction”): Free, anonymous counselling for families where a parent struggles with alcohol or drug problems.

Broen Aarhus: Supporting socially vulnerable children to access sports and leisure activities through membership fees, equipment and transport.