Manx2 has once more demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the Island's community by pledging support for Project 21, which helps people with severe learning difficulties.
The airline has selected Project 21 as its nominated charity for 2010 and, to mark the occasion, has donated 21 gold class return tickets, to be used as the charity sees fit throughout the year.
The alliance was celebrated on Wednesday 10th March with a special reception at the charity's headquarters, 'Centre 21', on Homefield Road in Douglas.
Manx2.com Chairman Noel Hayes (pictured) addressed the assembled guests, saying, “We are delighted to announce our support for Project 21 over the next year.
"At Manx2.com, charity begins at home and as an Isle of Man based company, we are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile and local cause.
"Project 21 was chosen by a 'democratic vote' amongst the Manx2.com staff as our nominated cause for 2010. It is a great charity which is making a huge and vital difference to the lives of residents ere in the Isle of Man."
Talking to isleofman.com during the reception, Mr Hayes praised the Island's "strong sense of collective responsibility" through which people in a relatively fortunate position are keen to give something back to the community.
In 2002 Project 21, through the work of five local charities - Manx Mencap, Isle of Man Gateway Club, Isle of Man Special Olympics, Down Syndrome (IOM) and Autism in Mann - set about raising approximately ?2 million to construct the activity and learning centre in Greenfield Road.
The Centre is now complete and fully operational, but still has to raise the sum of ?300,000 to repay a bank loan guaranteed against the property. However, since the charity launched its fundraising campaign in August last year, Project 21 has raised in excess of ?50,000, with a further ?50,000 offered in pledges.
Project 21 Chairman Geoff Karran said, "We have been open two years now and we have seen through the uptake from all the groups of people involved that it’s been a successful project.
"Obviously, we rely on fundraising to maintain the facilities and also to repay the loan we had to take out to complete the payments for the construction of the building and for equipment.
"Therefore, to receive the support of Manx2.com as their chosen charity is a tremendous benefit to us and we are very grateful to them for having chosen us."
Centre 21 is used by the five charities for different activities, ranging from sports to drama to music. Mr Karran explained that as use of the Centre increases, Project 21 is appealing for more volunteer helpers to become involved.
Refreshments at the reception were kindly provided by Freedom Travel.
For more information about Project 21, visit www.project21iom.com
