Originally published in the Winter 2014 edition of Issuu.com.
Saltersgate School scores a double with Midlothian business
Leading restaurateur Matin Khan served up a double helping for Midlothian’s Saltersgate School when he matched the proceeds of a raffle at the region’s business awards.
Members and guests of Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce raised £865 for Friends of Saltersgate School (FOSS) at their Enterprise Awards Dinner at The Brunton in Musselburgh.
Matin, who runs the multi award-winning Itihaas in Dalkeith and Radhuni in Loanhead, was so impressed with a speech by Stephen Buggy, the school’s Deputy Head, that he offered to double the sum on the spot.
Saltergate has about 120 pupils from Midlothian, East Lothian and Edinburgh with a wide spectrum of disabilities. FOSS fundraises for specialist equipment and respite care.
Cheryl Simon of FOSS said: “We are very grateful to Matin for his very generous donation and to the Chamber of Commerce for making us its charity of the night.
“Budget constraints limit funding for the most up to date and specialised equipment which make a huge difference to pupils’ development.”
The charity is also appealing for local people and companies to offer their skills in areas like Website creation, leaflets printing and fundraising activities as well as work placements for pupils.
Matin said: “I was delighted to be able to help, especially after learning more about the splendid work done by Saltersgate staff and volunteers.”
There was good news for Matin, too, when Itihaas was awarded joint Best Family Business, with East Links Holiday Park at Dunbar. The category is for “established family businesses sustained success across a broad range of measures.”
Itihaas is operated by Matin, recently named Scotland’s Curry Chef of the Year, helped by his sons Mujibur (20) and Habibur (18), and his wife Majada.
