Wanis International Foods, the distributors behind brands including Tropical Sun and Africa’s Finest are donating £10,000 to the charity, the Against Malaria Foundation which will be used exclusively in Nigeria.
Wanis began life in 1964; long before chicken tikka, jerk and jollof were household names, a young and ambitious husband-and-wife team had a vision of the future. Tulsidas Wadhwani, known as Mr Wani, came to the UK in the 1960s, he immediately spotted an opportunity to create a business. He, along with other migrants arriving into London, had been searching for products to provide an authentic taste of home but had been left wanting.
From a small shop on Holloway Road with a simple red delivery van, he started the journey to bring the authentic tastes of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean to the UK. His vision was to create a bridge between cultures, allowing communities to connect and stay strong with their roots through food.
60 represents a Diamond anniversary, and Wanis are marking their milestone of six decades in business by bestowing six Diamond Anniversary Grants of £10,000 each. Paul Harrison, Head of Community said: “We have always taken the ‘ethos’ of giving back very seriously, over the years we have donated our time and money to charities and initiatives across the globe. We always look to support initiatives in the communities where our foods are grown and made and where we have the strongest relationships.”
In 2022, Nigeria accounted for 31% of malaria deaths worldwide, with children under five and pregnant women being the most vulnerable; the donation will be used to buy and distribute long lasting insecticidal nets in affected areas.
The remaining 5 Diamond Anniversary Grants of £10,000 each are being donated to:
- Little Lady Locks– providing free tailored hair solutions for children suffering from hair loss
- Javeno McLean– inspirational personal trainer who rehabilitates people with disabilities
- The Guru Nanak Home, India – providing life changing medical care to children with physical disabilities
- White Marl and Jose Marti Schools, Jamaica – schools local to our partner factory in Spanish Town, Jamaica
- PL8 4U Al-Suffa – a cross-community interfaith charity providing hot meals, companionship, food and clothing to those dealing with financial difficulties
- Peckham Pantry – a food club supporting those on low incomes, ensuring they have access to good quality food.
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