Royal recognition for Wolverhampton’s community hero
Her Royal Highness Maha Putri Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Maguindanao, Founder of the international NGO We Care for Humanity (WCH), paid a special visit to the Penn Road McDonald’s in Wolverhampton, where she was warmly hosted by franchise owner and noted philanthropist Mr Ash Raju.
The visit formed part of the Maha Putri's wider humanitarian tour of the city and came in recognition of two generous contributions made by Mr Raju to recent WCH-led initiatives in Wolverhampton:
“Prakash”, a private support event for victims of domestic abuse and their children held on December 4.
The Global Santa Grotto Event, delivered by WCH in partnership with the Elias Mattu Foundation and Councillor Sally Green (Lab, Blakenhall), where food was provided for more than 100 children in attendance.
Accompanied by a Royal Delegation comprising invited dignitaries from the Philippines, Poland and India, Maha Putri was introduced to the impactful community efforts led by Mr Raju and his management team. The Penn Road franchise has become known locally for its commitment not only to service and employment but also to meaningful social impact. This includes providing job opportunities, supporting education pathways, and contributing to youth development initiatives—particularly through Mr Raju’s role as a patron of The Way Youth Zone, a vital hub for young people in Wolverhampton.
During the visit, Mr Raju announced the forthcoming opening of his third McDonald’s franchise in Bridgnorth, a development set to create 150 new jobs for the area. He shared his vision for continued investment in the region and reaffirmed his commitment to empowering local communities through employment, training, and charitable partnership.
Her Royal Highness commended Mr Raju’s leadership, describing his work as “a true example of business-driven humanitarianism—where enterprise and compassion work hand in hand for the good of the community.”
The visit further highlighted Wolverhampton’s growing profile as a centre of community-led innovation and partnership, strengthened through collaborations between local leaders, charitable organisations and global humanitarian institutions.
We Care for Humanity (WCH)
WCH is an international non-governmental organisation founded to advance humanitarian principles through education, health programmes, peace initiatives and the recognition of individuals and institutions working for the betterment of humanity.
The Elias Mattu Foundation (EMF)
Established in 2018 in honour of the late Councillor Elias Mattu, former Mayor of Wolverhampton, the Elias Mattu Foundation supports vulnerable families, young people and community wellbeing across the city through charitable programmes, events and social support initiatives.
