Maharani Indian Restaurant raised funds for Colchester Hospital

The Maharani Indian Restaurant, based on Colchester High Street, chose to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a fundraiser for Colchester Hospital Neonatal Unit last weekend. 

Habibur Mojumder, the restaurant’s owner, wanted to raise funds for the unit after his son was transferred there for a month and a half after he was born.

The event saw Maharani raise £3,515.25 for the unit, which consisted of more than £2,000 from eat-in customers, £218 of takeaway donations, and a whopping £757 of donations on the event’s Just Giving page.

The staff also donated half of their day’s wages to the unit, adding a further £460 to the pot.

Team- Maharani's staff donated half their day's wages to the Neonatal Care Unit. (Image: Habib Mojumder)

Habib said: “It was a very good event, a very good day.

“People generously donated a lot of money so it’s just remarkable. We didn’t expect this much support."

“I feel very, very, very special. So many people said we did an amazing job, and the appreciation has given us a boost to do more events for local charities,” he added.  

Since 2004, Maharani has served up mainstream Indian cuisine and featured tastes of Northeast India, recipes from India’s massive coastline, and closely guarded Indian family recipes.

Full- Guests enjoying their food simultaneously donated the cost of the meal to the Neonatal Care Unit. (Image: Habib Mojumder)

Maharani sent food to the 11 staff on shift in the neonatal unit the night of the fundraiser, who thoroughly enjoyed their meal.

The restaurant offers a 20% discount to all NHS staff, as well as free delivery, all year round.

Habib continued: “We are very grateful, and we would like to give a massive thank you to all our customers for their generous donations.

“The fact that we have done something makes us feel so special. It was definitely a very warm experience for us that day and we hope to continue that.”

Celebrate- Maharani celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cake. (Image: Habib Mojumder)

Habib plans to do more fundraisers for local charities throughout the year.  

A portion of Maharani’s yearly profit will go towards the animal welfare in Colchester.

“Any events to raise funds, we’re more than happy to raise for,” Habib said. “If you wanted help with some events, small businesses can come along and we will help them.”