A spectacular Indian feast, held at the newly opened Gandhi restaurant in Onchan and supported by Boston Multi Family Office through the Boston Charitable Foundation, has raised a remarkable ?10,000 for the Manx Workshop for the Disabled.
 
Food for the banquet, which was attended by Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney,  was provided free of charge by the restaurant with Boston Charitable Foundation match-funding the cost of tickets to the event. The proceeds raised will allow the Manx Workshop for the Disabled to purchase a delivery van to service their expanding range of outdoor and garden furniture products, helping to secure a more sustainable future income for the community project.
 
Mohammed Hoque of Gandhi restaurant said: “This was our first charity event and the evening was a huge success with around 90 people attending.
 
“It seemed very appropriate to us for follow the same selflessness as our namesake Mahatma Gandhi and provide the food, mocktails, and other beverages for the evening free of charge. This meant that all of the ticket price could be match-funded by Boston Charitable Foundation and go directly to the Manx Workshop for the Disabled.
 
“We are delighted that so many people came and enjoyed a delicious meal for such a good cause.”
 
The Manx Workshop for the Disabled was founded in 1983 with the aim of providing meaningful employment to those unable to compete in the usual job markets because of disability.
 
A not-for-profit organisation, it has recently expanded its range of products from trophies, plaques and signage to include larger items such as garden benches, boxes and planters.
 
Peter Hindley, General Manager of Manx Workshop for the Disabled, said:  "It was a wonderful evening and the Manx Workshop for the Disabled greatly appreciates the support it has received from both Boston Charitable Foundation and Gandhi.
 
“The funds raised will enable us to buy our first delivery van, which will allow us to develop our popular range of garden furniture. We would like to thank everyone who attended on the night for their most generous support".
 
Erica Bellhouse from Boston Charitable Foundation commented: “This was a wonderful event to support. Mohammed and his team at Gandhi provided a magnificent feast and the atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly.
 
“We are delighted that our match funding will enable the Manx Workshop for the Disabled to buy the vehicle it needs to grow its business. The Workshop does a fantastic job in providing employment opportunities and producing high quality products and services. We hope they continue to go from strength to strength.”
 
Photo - Mustofa Shimla Aziz,  Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Lady Gozney, Mohammed Hoque, Peter Hindley.