A RAMSEY based company will give away a quarter of a million pounds to a number of charities this week.

AFD Software Ltd is holding its annual charity night at Ramsey Town Hall on Wednesday at 7pm.

More than 50 charities have been nominated, by staff at AFD, to receive a portion of the £250,000.

David Dorricott, managing director, at AFD said: "When AFD first began its annual charity event it almost matched the Isle of Man Government's entire Overseas Aid budget. It is a great credit to Mr Bell and the other members of Tynwald that they have increased that budget year by year to much more respectable levels."

AFD's core objective is to "generate profits and to use them creatively in the relief of suffering, the improvement of society and furtherance of the Christian gospel".

To help meet this objective each year staff have the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive a donation from the company. In addition the company donates money to projects throughout the year. 

Fellow director Alison Dorricott continued: "The news each day is filled with gloom and uncertainty but here in the Isle of Man we have been largely protected from the catastrophic effects of the economic downturn.

"Yes we have challenges but most of us are well fed, we have excellent education, care and shelter. These are unknown luxuries to many in the developing world and even in the Isle of Man and UK there are many who are suffering or need hope.

"We admire the many charities which our staff have supported – they make an enormous difference to so many people."

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below: