V21 to hand cash to Barnardo's

The boss of Surrey-based ISP V21 has pledged to donate cash to children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Steve Kaye wouldn't say exactly how much money would be handed over but it's understood that it could run into a four figure sum.

"We’re talking thousands, not hundreds," he said.

Confirmation of Mr Kaye’s generosity should draw a line under a bitter row that has erupted on ISPReview bulletin board.

Almost two weeks ago someone using the moniker "Elmer_Fudd" asked Mr Kaye how much cash he had given to Barnardo’s.

Elmer pointed to story published by Computeractive last year in which V21 said it would "donate 10p to the Barnardo's charity for every new user it signs up".

Keen to know more, Elmer asked: "Could you please tell us how much Barnardo's actually got from V21?"

Mr Kaye refused to say and replied: "The deal between V21 and Barnardo's has nothing to do with any one apart from the two parties involved."

However, his refusal to say how much had been donated only served to increase pressure on V21 to reveal the extent of its generosity.

Those pressing for an answer have contacted Barnardo’s and even emailed politicians in a bid to get an answer.

A spokeswoman for Barnardo’s told The Register that she was aware of the donation but didn't know how much was involved.

"We're definitely expecting a sum of money," she said. ®