## **Reading Family Aid Group** **ANNUAL REPORT Year ended 30 April 2023** e-mail: info@ReadingFamilyAid.org website: www.ReadingFamilyAid.org Registered Charity No. 1022144 Address: 61 Woodcote Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 7EX Phone 07930 033413 Page **1** of **14** Page 2 of 14 ## CONTENTS |CONTENTS|| |---|---| |ABOUT THE CHARITY|3| |CHAIR’S REPORT|4| |FINANCIAL REPORT|8| |TRUSTEES|12| |CHARITY COMMISSION &|13| |GOVERNING DOCUMENTS|| Page **3** of **14** ## ABOUT THE CHARITY Our mission is to put a smile on the faces of disadvantaged children in the Reading area. Our aim is to bring a little joy into the lives of children and families living with poverty, physical, mental, sexual, alcohol or drug abuse, illness, disability, homelessness or refugee status. We work through schools, social workers, health visitors, places of worship and other charities and charitable organisations. We distribute toys at Christmas to children aged 0-16 through our _Toys & Teens_ Appeal. Where our funds permit, we also provide outings throughout the year for children and their families who couldn't afford to go otherwise. These may be to a theme park, the seaside, a zoo or a farm park; they may also be to local activity centres and adventure playgrounds, theatres and cinemas. Page **4** of **14** ## CHAIR’S REPORT ## **Overview** Thanks to our supporters, sponsors, partners, volunteers and all members of Reading Family Aid, we have had another successful year bringing more smiles to more children’s faces. ` Our committee has displayed a remarkable level of dedication by consistently going above and beyond expectations. We have demonstrated a proactive approach, contributed innovative ideas and worked diligently. This year we have successfully enhanced our efficiency, governance, and productivity. ## **Outings** Vivienne organised a wide range of outings this year. Children enjoyed seeing the animals, tractor rides and deer feeding at Bucklebury Farm, a day of relaxation and fun at Bournemouth Beach, an exciting day at Chessington World of Adventures, a delightful time at Camp Mohawk, and an enjoyable Panto at Christmas time and experienced many happy memories to cherish. Brilliant work by Vivienne. Special thanks to Vivienne, Sallie and Roz from the Outings Team and all our committee members involved in making this so successful. ## **Christmas Toy Project** After a two-year break, the 2022 Christmas Toys and Teens event was the first time since the pandemic that we organised a full toy appeal, setting up Donation Points across town and inviting everyone to kindly donate toys. However, it was a challenging year, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, which resulted in a greater number of children in need while witnessing a decline in toy contributions. With the help of our sponsors, supporters, toy donators, volunteers, Van men and our amazing committee members – we managed to provide each child with at least a couple of toys or gifts each. We provided gifts for 3001 children this year – the highest number we’ve ever supported. Feedback from requestors was overwhelmingly positive. Special Commendations to Laura for her meticulous planning, unwavering commitment and perseverance. Thanks to everyone involved in the toy project. Page **5** of **14** ## **Publicity and Fundraising** Our dedicated publicity team, Charlie and Anna, played a crucial role in our success despite being short-staffed. Their consistent efforts in producing informative newsletters and executing effective publicity strategies greatly contributed to our achievements. Thanks to Ruth for providing regular blog updates, further enhancing our outreach and engagement. Thanks to our fundraising team Ruth, Wendy, Jo, Celia and Val for sourcing and securing funding for our charity. Their diligent efforts have resulted in several successful grants, including Tesco Community grants, an application to the Fence Club to sponsor the visit to Caversham Lakes, support from the Toy Trust for the Bournemouth trip, and the honour of being chosen as the charity of choice at Reading Golf Club for the upcoming year. Their invaluable contributions have significantly bolstered our financial resources and enabled us to further our mission. ## **Accounting and Admin** We have had several additions to our committee this year. Jo Skidmore has joined us to provide valuable support in the areas of governance and administration. Additionally, Jo Saunders and Celia have joined us to lend their expertise to funding efforts and the Toy Project. We also warmly welcome Lauren O'Neill, who will be assisting with the Toy Project. I would also like to acknowledge the departure of David, Krista, Paul, Maria, Harini, and Tracy. We extend our sincere appreciation for their contributions during their time with us. Based on Ruth's valuable suggestion, the committee collectively decided to pursue and prepare for the attainment of the Safe and Sound kitemark. Jo, Ruth, Sue, and Laura collaborated closely, formulating proposals that gained approval from the committee. As a result, our documents have been revised and significant process improvements have been implemented, ensuring our readiness for when RVA initiates the Safe and Sound evaluation process for our Charity. We have successfully implemented a robust planning and budgeting process within our organization. To streamline decision-making, major proposals are now reviewed and approved by the Trustees, relieving the entire committee of this responsibility. We have also made significant improvements in managing our committee members, trustee induction and safeguarding practices. Page **6** of **14** Furthermore, we have initiated the maintenance of a comprehensive risk register specifically tailored for the charity, ensuring proactive risk management and mitigation strategies are in place. These initiatives collectively contribute to enhancing the overall governance and operational efficiency of our organization. Wendy has been an absolute powerhouse as the vice chair. Thank you. Thanks to Laura for being the secretary and for her patience with me. Thanks to Sheila for taking care of the charity’s email account and her contributions to Governance and Administration. Thanks to Sue for her outstanding diligence and meticulousness in managing financial matters with accuracy and attention to detail. Page **7** of **14** ## FINANCIAL REPORT ## **1. Summary** 2022/23 Accounts reflect the relaxation of Covid19 measures on Reading Family Aid’s activities. Coach outings were resumed, together with local activities, including the pantomime visit, arranged. A full Toy Project at Christmas, with collection from donation points and distribution of donated toys took place. New toys were also purchased to help with the increased demand and supplement donations. Total income and expenditure are set out in the table below. Further information is provided in sections 2 and 3 and the Income and Expenditure report overleaf. ||2022/23
£|2021/22
£|Change
£| |---|---|---|---| |Total income|29,684.86|31,708.37|(2,023.51)| |Total expenditure|(24,723.75)|(37,877.64)|(13,153.89)| |Surplus/(deficit)|4,961.11|(6,169.27)|11,130.38| ## **2. Income** Total income in 2022/23 was £29,684.86, £2,023.51 lower than the previous year. Funding was generously provided towards the Toy Project from The John Sykes Foundation (£1,000), Connect Reading Giving Tree including the Reading Lions (£1,500), and Tesco Groundworks (£1,000). A Magic Little Grant of £500 was received towards the summer 2022 Camp Mohawk trip. Funding has also been gratefully received from The Fence Club (£2,000) and Toy Trust (£1,560) towards the summer 2023 activities. No funding was received in 2021/22. A GoFundMe appeal together with generous donations from local businesses, churches, many individuals and gift aid provided further income. Being able to run stalls again at both Winnersh Fete and Earley Green Fair raised £800.50. Page **8** of **14** ## **3. Expenditure** Total expenditure in 22/23 was £24,723.75, £ 13,153.89 less than 21/22. Further detail is below and in the Income and Expenditure report overleaf. £11,267 was spent on coaches, outings and the pantomime and £11,145.29 on the Toy Project. No toys were purchased in the summer this year although Easter eggs were supplied to children at a local Easter party. |Christmas Toy Project
expenditure|
2022/23

£|
2021/22
£|Increase/(decrease)
£| |---|---|---|---| |Toys, gifts,and batteries|
9,829.26|23,697.21|(13,867.95)| |Contribution for use of hall|250.00|250.00|-| |Labels,bags and stationery|444.24|67.06|377.18| |Van insurance,travel and fuel|
389.99|224.19|165.80| |Food for helpers|
39.80|3.00|36.80| |Storage|
192.00|81.77|110.23| |Total|
11,145.29|24,323.23|(13,177.94)| |Trips and Activities
Expenditure|2022/23
£|
2021/22
£|Increase/decrease
£| |---|---|---|---| |Caversham Lakes|
1,686.00|1,482.00|204.00| |Coach to Bournemouth|840.00|-|840.00| |Chessington|1,575.00|-|1,575.00| |BuckleburyFarm|1,014.80|-|1,014.80| |CampMohawk|1,130.00|675.00|455.00| |Panto(22/23 includes Dec 23 deposit)|3,940.00|2,342.00|1,598.00| |Easter Outingto Odds Farm|1,081.20|941.65|139.55| |RBC Playrangers|-|1,250.00|(1,250.00)| |Canoeing/climbingwall|-|340.00|(340.00)| |Total|11,267.00|7,030.65|4,236.35| The trustees did not receive any remuneration or benefits in kind, other than the reimbursement of expenses. A replacement mobile phone, another banner and a card reader machine were purchased. Page **9** of **14** READING FAMILY AID Income and Expenditure Report Year endod 30thAprll 2023 Year ended 30Awll 2022 Income Donations Geneièll Toy Project donatH)fb5 Wlth GiftAid 21.094.63 31.624.78 Funding Migic LittleGrant Ifor Cimp Mohawk) lohTr Sykes Fgundatitsn ffoysl GIvinE Tree l Toy51 Tesco GrovndworkslFDT Toy Prolett TDYSI Fence (for Caversham Lake5 20241 ToyTrustlfor Bournemtsuth Trip20241 scw). L500.00 i.0￿. 2.(W.00 1.560. 7.560. Fundraising Eadey Green Fair Winnersh fete 577 50 223.00 800.50 Sale of Goods 200.00 82.08 oiher IncDme Deposit A¢¢ount Interest 29.73 1.51 Total lTrubm¢ 29.684.86 31.708.37 Expendlture Toy Prqect".General expenses Toy Project..Toy5. Eifts& battLYie5 TDV Proieci.. storage Summer toy5 1.124.03 9.829.26 192.fM) 544.25 23.697.21 81.77 5.431.10 Pantomirne Easter OutinglEaster Egg5 mei /Aututnn OUilhB5 Camp MDhawk outlng 3.940.00 1.22l.20 5,11530 1.130.00 2,342. 941.65 3.072.CRI 675. Admin & general expenses LoEal Gwlng sub￿riptIOnS 1.424.98 180.00 470.82 96.00 502.94 22. 472.2S 94.22 Website Total Expondlture 24.723.75 37.877.64 FpIus1ldefi¢Stlvf incomeo¥er expuKlitur• 4.961.11 16.169.271 Page 10 of 14 FINANCIAL REPORT Balanc• Shoot Asat 202 2022 8alanc•at Bank Barclays CurrentAccount Barclays DepositA(tount 1,230 29.325AI 4,941.7Q 20.653.08 TotalAssets 30.55S.89 25.594.78 Fundsat byinfflin8of year Surplus1{def￿1) Of In¢omEoYBr•xpendituro Fund5at•ndof yea* 25.594.78 4.%1.11 30.555.89 31.764.05 25,594.78 vrepare4 by". 5. Marson, Ireasurer Date.. Fund$ T<>tal funds*end Aprll 2023 are £30.555.89. EI,560 hasbeen domred towards 2024 trip to 9ournemouthand £2,(￿ towards an outing in 2024 to Cayersharn Lake5. other funds4re unrestricted. 1t i*currentlypl&nned to use most tsf the EXi5tingfundsto finance3￿1VItieS In rheyear ending 30April 2024. including a tripto Camp Mohawk. varSous ¢lher trips arKIsumTner aciiviiie5.The remainder will financethe 2023 Chrlstma5 acti￿tIES, includin8 buyingtOY5. 4ndon8Oingcosts. Ba$is of Preparation The accounts are preparEd Dnthe receipts and payrnenisbJs15. Independent Examlnerfs Statement I have examined the ac¢ounts for the year Ended 30April 2023. 1 confirm rhJr no materièl matters have cometo tny attention in connertlon wlth theexaminatlonwhichwve rne causeto -accountingrecordsweie not kept in acwrdancewith section 130of theCharbtie5 Art 2011 or -the accounts do notaccord with the accounting records. I have h¢ (Dnterns and have corne acro$5 no Qihei milteis lft ¢onnection with the exarninaiion to which attention should bedrawn In ¢rdÈr to enable a properunderstandinB of rhe a¢¢ounts to be reached. - eH4ec< .' ,,"3: &Dz3 CF*OL5fip)8 Pt. Hcrtr Page 11 of14 ## TRUSTEES Chair Sravanthi Yellapragada Vice Chair Wendy Howell Secretary Laura Windisch Treasurer Sue Marson (from 3[rd] March 2022) Others: Roslyn Heinze Wendy Howell Valerie Sansom Vivienne Simpson Sallie Wall Page **12** of **14** ## CHARITY COMMISSION & GOVERNING DOCUMENTS ## Governing Document Reading Family Aid Group operates in accordance with its constitution adopted on 21 April 1993, as amended on 16 June 2004, 19 July 2016 and 4 March 2021. UK Charity Commission registration number: 1022144 ## Charity Commission for England and Wales Public Benefit Guidance The trustees have had due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. ## Charity Commission for England and Wales Cy-Pres Scheme Application The trustees applied for a cy-pres scheme to the Charity Commission to allow them to use the excess funds raised in the 2020 Christmas Toys and Teens Appeal on toys and gifts in the future and received final approval on May 7[th] 2021. ## Charity Registered Address 61 Woodcote Road, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7EX Page **13** of **14** Page 14 of 14