READING data management firm Redstor is breaking the tradition of sending out corporate Christmas cards by donating the money, which would have been spent, to a charitable cause.

And the company is asking customers, suppliers and partners to help them decide which charity will benefit from their festive goodwill by voting for their favourite.

This year’s shortlist, compiled by Redstor staff, consists of The British Legion, Cancer Research UK and The NSPCC.

Anyone can vote by logging on to www.redstor.com before the competition closes on Christmas Eve. The beneficiary will be announced on January 3.

Marketing manager Jon Ashley hopes other businesses will get involved and follow their lead. “Let’s face it – most corporate Christmas cards end up in the bin which is a demand on our planet’s resources including trees and energy,” he said.

“Why not put that money to good use through a donation?  Why not match ours?

“You’ll see it put to good use by one of our many outstanding charities.”

As well as the Christmas card donation, the lucky winner will receive a further £1,000 raised in a raffle held at the firm’s base in Market Place last Friday.