Dear Friends,

In this joyful period of the year I am honoured to share with you that just last week I was awarded, in Agrigento, Sicily, the International "Prize Empedocle" for Human Sciences, in memory of Paolo Borsellino, for the section “Humanity and Solidarity”, with the following motivation:

“Mr. Pistorio is rewarded because, besides having been a paladin of the European ICT industry… he is an extraordinary philanthropist who decided in 2005 to create the Pistorio Foundation, which provides assistance in the field of health, nutrition and education, both through direct support and donations to children, especially in less-privileged regions around the world affected by wars, natural disasters and calamities.”

On this occasion, I was also bestowed a tree amongst the Garden of the Righteous in the Valley of Temples, a humbling recognition, for the Pistorio Foundation.

These recognitions underline and highlight the value of the work we are doing, and that with passion, energy and determination every dream can come true. The dream of giving children a better future and the support of all our stakeholders in the 12 ^th year of activity allow us today to celebrate our results achieved so far: over 1500 children every year on long-term scholarships; over 475 who have already obtained a professional school degree; and tens of thousands more whose lives we have positively impacted through our school and village infrastructure projects including schools, dormitories, sanitation facilities, primary health care centres, and water system projects.  

This Prize honors the combined efforts of all the volunteers, supporters, donors, partners, contributors, and board members, that year after year, share their passion, commitment and skills to further our cause. My gratitude and thoughts go to this enlarged family and to our hard working beneficiaries, who grow stronger day after day through access to quality education, health, and nutrition.

It is in this spirit that I would like to express my best wishes for the holidays and New Year.

Sincerely,



Pasquale Pistorio