Ashton temple supported with vital kitchen equipment

A leading commercial vehicle dealer has shown its commitment to supporting local communities by providing vital assistance to a well-used Indian community centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Motus Commercials has supported Shree Bharatiya Mandal (SBM) Indian Community Centre through its Community Fund initiative, helping the organisation secure essential kitchen equipment needed to continue delivering key services for local residents.

The centre runs a Meals on Wheels programme three times a week, providing freshly prepared food to members of the community who depend on the service. The initiative is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time to prepare, cook, pack and deliver meals promptly to those in need.

In addition to the Meals on Wheels service, SBM volunteers also help organise a wide range of cultural, religious and community events held throughout the year. The kitchen is central to these activities, enabling the organisation to bring people together, support vulnerable residents and maintain important cultural traditions.

This latest support marks the second time Motus Commercials has assisted the temple through its Community Fund. In 2024, the company donated £1,000 to help the centre replace all of its taps with modern auto-stop systems. The upgrade has significantly reduced water usage and improved the sustainability of the facility.

The continued partnership highlights the positive impact businesses can have when they work alongside local organisations to strengthen community wellbeing. The latest funding will help ensure SBM can continue providing meals, hosting events and supporting residents for years to come.

Representatives from SBM expressed their gratitude to Motus Commercials, noting that contributions such as this are vital in helping volunteer-led organisations maintain services and facilities.

The equipment was formally presented by grant officer Charles Rigby, accompanied by Rasik Lad, administration manager at Motus Commercials, to the team of kitchen volunteers. The volunteer group was represented by chief cook Taraben Parmar, her assistant Bhartiben Mistry and Meals on Wheels coordinator Manhar Taylor.

Manhar Taylor said: “We have delivered over 26,000 freshly cooked meals to elderly and vulnerable Tameside residents since March 2020, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.”