Midlothian restaurants curry on with charity support

Itihaas in Dalkeith and The Radhuni in Loanhead will donate 25p to the national charity Children 1st for every takeaway purchased until December 20, to support local children. Customers are also being invited to add their own contributions.

Children 1st aims to protect children and keep them safe from harm. It works with children and families to tackle poverty, mental health difficulties, domestic abuse, addiction and social isolation. In a joint statement, Itihaas director Matin Khan and his son Habibur, managing partner of Radhuni, said: “For many of us, the countdown to Christmas will be filled with excitement. Unfortunately for some families in our local communities, this will be a time of great worry and financial hardship.

“Together with our customers we will bring a small lift to children and families who need it most.”

In recent years both of these local Indian-Bangladeshi restaurants have raised many thousands of pounds for local, national and international good causes.

Children 1st said that since the start of the pandemic in March it had seen increased demand, including for its Money Advice Service which provides families with debt management support, budgeting advice and help to access benefits.

It has local services in Edinburgh City, Dalkeith and Penicuik. In Edinburgh it works with families living in poverty to give them brighter futures through a combination of emotional and practical support.

In Midlothian, the charity co-runs a food bank and drop-in centre on Penicuik High Street and works with families across the region.

Across Edinburgh and Midlothian, Children 1st aims to fund £15 gift vouchers for more than 260 children so their families can buy Christmas gifts for them and make the holiday a bit more special after a difficult year.

Matin and Habibur added: “Families deserve to feel the joy of choosing the presents they know their children want.”