ILS Fiduciaries (Isle of Man) Limited has chosen Sailing for the Disabled as its charity of the year.

ILS Fiduciaries, which is a leading international fiduciary services provider headquartered in Douglas, has donated ?1,000 to the Manx registered charity, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sailing on equal terms with their able bodied friends in a harmonious and safe environment. 

Sailing for the Disabled was nominated by ILS Isle of Man staff and the money donated was raised through dress down days. To further support the charity the Company is also a silver sponsor.

Chief Executive Officer of The ILS Group Chris Eaton said: “We are delighted to have chosen Sailing for the Disabled as our charity of the year and in turn show our support and raise awareness for a great cause. Our staff in the Isle of Man nominated this charity due to the important work, experience and opportunity it provides locally for people with disabilities. We are thrilled to support Sailing for the Disabled and look forward to supporting them over the coming year, in whatever way we can.”

Sailing for the Disabled Vice Chairman Rodger Clague said: “We are very happy to be named as ILS’s charity of the year and to have the support of the company and its staff. Sailing for the Disabled offers adults and children with a wide range of disabilities the chance to enjoy sailing on our own boat, a 46` Bavaria cruiser named Pride of Mann II. We rely entirely on volunteers, no money is spent on salaries or staff, and all the money donated stays "on Island" and is used for the benefit of members and groups with disabilities whom we help. Many of the people assisted have no previous experience of sailing; some have never been in a yacht before. It is a sport that may be tried at any age and with virtually any disability, including people with mobility issues and those with visual and hearing impairment.

“Everything changes once you step on board the yacht. Being on the sea brings everything from exhilaration to tranquility. Through Sailing for the Disabled, whatever your disability, a whole new life opens up for you.”