UNAUDI fED ANNU 29TH FLBIIUARY Sicppi nbSIoiic5 Lhariiy
| CHAIRMAN’S REPORT INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 29 February 2024. CHAIR'S REPORT
steppingstonescharity.org
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
2024 was a significant year for our work in South America, as we expanded our efforts to reach more people in need. The region faced increasing challenges, with economic hardship and climate change worsening conditions for many. We were privileged to extend our support into Mexico, where we provided essential food aid to families facing hunger. Our work did not stop there. We continued delivering assistance in Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, and the Amazon Forest, offering relief through food, clothing, wheelchairs, solar wells, and other vital items to vulnerable communities.
Recognising that lasting change requires long-term commitment, we remained dedicated to helping these communities not only with immediate aid but also by fostering resilience to face future challenges. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the people we serve receive the help they need, whether through emergency relief or by addressing ongoing poverty and inequality. This year, we touched the lives of thousands across South America, a success made possible by the generous support of our donors.
The past year has shown us that the need for humanitarian assistance is greater than ever. But with the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and partners, we have risen to meet these challenges. As we continue to work across the region, we are constantly expanding our efforts to better respond to crises and help those in need. We are also improving our capacity to deliver impactful interventions that make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to provide crucial aid, and we are committed to continuing this work into 2025 and beyond. We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed to our mission, and it is through your support that we are able to make a lasting impact in South America. Together, we are creating hope and relief for countless families, and we remain committed to our vision of a better future for all.
Omar Hanif Chair of the Board of Trustees SteppingStones Charity
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Reference and Administrative Details
Registered Charity Name
Steppingstones Charity
Charity Registration Number Principal Office
1135645
Frekleton Street Business Centre Frekleton Street Blackburn BB2 2AL
The Trustees
Mr M A Karolia
Mr A Ahmed
Mr O Hanif
Independant Examiner
Ahmed Adam Karolia
Suite 28 Blackburn Enterprise Centre
Furthergate
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 3HQ
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Structure, Governance and Management
Who We Are
SteppingStones Charity is currently led by a group of dedicated volunteers under the supervision of the board of trustees. Currently, we have two part-time seasonal staff who work on an ad-hoc basis and we hope to, in the near future, employ part and full-time staff. Our volunteers continue to play a key role in the delivery of our services and are vital in enabling us to reach more destitute and poor people in order for us to provide the stability and support that they need.
Our Mission
To stay true to our vision of a future with equal opportunities for disadvantaged people to fulfill their life ambitions as everyone else. We must continue to have higher expectations about what disadvantaged people can achieve and create the right conditions for that to happen.
Our Vision
Our vision of the world is where the poverty-stricken and destitute communities have the same and equal opportunities as everyone else.
Our Values
Accountability, ambition, collaboration and diversity.
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Objectives and Activities
Objectives
SteppingStones Charity's long-term objectives are to provide relief from poverty and hardship, advancement of education, provide healthcare, livelihood, and economic empowerment for vulnerable communities and individuals.
Current activities
Our relief work is now being carried out in Guyana and Brazil in South America as well as being extended in certain regions of the Caribbean. Our volunteers travel to these regions to access and supervise all the work carried with regard to the relevant projects.
Working alongside local community leaders, the needs of the communities are identified and then projects are implemented in order to meet their specific needs in terms of education, sponsorships, food parcels as well as many other areas of concern that may arise from our findings.
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Achievements and Performance
Achievements
Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, our organization has made significant progress in providing relief and implementing key projects. In the face of ongoing challenges, including the lingering effects of COVID-19, we have continued to deliver vital aid in Ecuador, Brazil, Guyana, and Venezuela, while also expanding our operations into Mexico.
In response to increasing needs, food packs were distributed across Guyana, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico, reaching people regardless of gender, faith, or ethnicity, particularly those living in poverty. These food packs, containing staple items such as oil, butter, rice, and sardines, were designed to support families of 2-4 people for 3-4 weeks. Key achievements include:
Guyana
135 food packs were distributed to struggling families and vulnerable individuals.
Ecuador
8,650 food packs were distributed throughout the year, including 1,950 during Ramadan.
Venezuela
8,650 food packs were distributed throughout the year, including 1,950 during Ramadan.
Brazil
In Rolandia, Jaguapita, and Palmeiras Village, 670 food packs were distributed.
Sadaqatul-Fitr Project
This project, supported by donations from those who meet the Nisaab requirement, was implemented to assist less fortunate individuals during Eid. Beneficiaries included 20 people in Guyana, 35 in Brazil, 30 in Ecuador, and 25 in Mexico, for a total of 110 individuals helped.
Qurbani Project
Our annual Qurbani initiative took place in the impoverished regions of West Bengal, India, where meat was distributed to 2,465 underprivileged families. This project ensured that families who rarely have access to meat were able to enjoy it during Eid.
Amazon Basin (Ecuador)
6,700 food packs were distributed to impoverished Amazonians, with 387 of the most vulnerable receiving new clothing. We also provided wheelchairs to 14 disabled individuals.
Two new projects were initiated in the Amazon Forest, where we distributed fish to 1,380 people. Additionally, 2,600 bedsheets were donated to Hospital Homero in Castanier Crespo. In Brazil, 46 blankets were distributed to the homeless in Vila Arcanjo – Valo Velho during the colder months.
In 2024, we surpassed many of our goals and expanded our impact. Looking ahead, we are optimistic that, with continued support, we can build on this progress and further extend our assistance to those in need, making a lasting difference in vulnerable communities.
Acknowledgements
The board of trustees would like to express its gratitude for the immense and selfless commitment which has been given to the charity by its volunteers each year without hesitation. This is instrumental in helping to minimise operation costs and maximising aid to our beneficiaries. We would like to thank our donors, supporters and all other organisations for their part they have played. Their hard work and kindness has not gone unnoticed.
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Financial Review
Financial Review
The Charity receives donations from the general public and other charities. This helps the charity to meet its obligations and achieve the objectives efficiently during the year.
Reserves Policy
The reserves are maintained at an adequate level to continue the charity's activities. The trustees have decided to continue the current activities and to improve on them when and as the budget permits.
Risk Management
The trustees actively review the major risk which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined the operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
Plans for Future Periods
Future Projects
Last year, it led to the first stages of our ambitious plans to deliver across a wider area with a real focus on how we can help the poor live independently in the communities within which we work. The destitute people have never been content to live in a society in which they can't play an active part and SteppingStones Charity is working alongside them to bring about the changes we want to see. Therefore, this year our main focus is helping locals set up livelihood projects in all 3 countries. This will help enabled communities to stand on their own feet and generate income not only for their families but for their community. We will still continue our work in helping with the sponsorship of children so we can help meet their educational needs, help those who cannot pay for their medicines or medical equipment, renovate homes, provide aid to those who are less fortunate than us. However, we will most certainly have to work harder in order to raise enough money to reach our target to help others and achieve all the projects we have set out to do. Since our projects are sustainable and we have provided assistance on a constant basis over a number of years, we hope to achieve our goals for the years ahead through the continued assistance of our trustees, volunteers and donors. The trustees' annual report was approved on 26 November 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
M A Karolia Mr M A Karolia Trustee
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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of STEPPINGSTONES CHARITY
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of SteppingStonesCharity [’the charity] for the year ended 29 February 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 [’the Act’].
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination i have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commision under section 145[b] of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in ay material respect:
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1.accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act ; or
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2.the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities [Accounts and Reports] Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independant examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ahmed Adam Karolia
Independant Examiner
Suite 28 Blackburn Enterprise Centre
Furthergate, Blackburn, Lancashire
BB1 3HQ
26 November 2024
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Statement of Financial Activities > 29 FEBRUARY 2024
| 29 FEBRUARY 2024 > |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| Note | Unrestricted Funds | Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Income and endowments | |||||
| Donations and Legacies | 4 | 70,653 | 70,653 | 91,132 | |
| Total Income | 70,653 | 70,653 | 91,132 | ||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Expenditure on Charitable Activites | 5,6 | [78,254] | [78,254] | [84,155] | |
| Total Expenditure | [78,254] | [78,254] | [84,155] | ||
| Net Income and Net Movement in Funds | [7,601] | [7,601] | 6,977 | ||
| Reconcilation in Funds | |||||
| Total Funds Brought Forward | 60,810 | 60,810 | 53,833 | ||
| Total Funds Carried Forward | 53,209 | 53,209 | 60,810 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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Statement of Financial Position 29 FEBRUARY 2024
| 29 FEBRUARY 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Current Assets | |||
| Debtors | 11 | 197 | 4,814 |
| Cash at Bank and in Hand | 52,312 | 56,259 | |
| 53,509 | 61,073 | ||
| Net Current Assets | 53,509 | 61,073 | |
| Total Assets less Current Liabilities | 53,509 | 61,073 | |
| Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More | 12 | 300 | 263 |
| Than One Year | |||
| Net Assets | 53,209 | 60,810 | |
| Funds of the Charity | |||
| Unrestricted Funds | 53,209 | 60,810 | |
| Total Charity Funds | 13 | 53,209 | 60,810 |
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 26 November 2024, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
M A Karolia Mr M A Karolia Trustee
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Notes to the Financial Statements y
1. General Information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Freckleton Business Centre, Freckleton Street, Blackburn, BB2 2AL
2. Statement of Compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102j (Charities SORP (FRS 102jj and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Growing concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Disclosure exemptions
No cash flow statement has been presented for the charity.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
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Fund accounting
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ae
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
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legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established.
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income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.
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income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
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expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, noncharitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
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expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
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other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
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- Donations and Legacies Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Unrestricted Funds Total Funds £ £ 2024 £ £ 2023 Donations Collection Boxes, Appeals and 70,653 70,653 91,132 91,132 Donations 5. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Unrestricted Funds Total Funds £ £ 2024 £ £ 2023 Charitable Donations 66,653 66,653 79,767 79,767 Support Costs 11,601 11,601 4,388 4,388 78,254 78,254 84,155 84,155 6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Charity Type Activities Undertaken Directly Support Costs Total Funds Total Funds £ £ £ 2024 £ 2023 Charitable Donations 66,653 - 66,653 79,767 Support Costs - 11,301 11,302 4,124 Governance Costs - 300 300 264 66,653 11,601 78,255 84,155 page 13 steppingstonescharity.org
7. Analysis of Support Costs
| Administration Support Costs | Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | 2024 | £ | 2023 | |
| Premises | 360 | 360 | - | ||
| Communication and IT | 5,731 | 5,731 | 2,777 | ||
| General Office | 125 | 125 | 236 | ||
| Finance Costs | 847 | 847 | 1.111 | ||
| Travelling Expenses | 4,230 | 4,230 | - | ||
| Sundry Expenses | 8 | 8 | - | ||
| ~~.~~ | |||||
| 11,301 | 11,301 | 4,124 |
8. Independant Examination Fees
| 8. Independant Examination Fees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | 2024 | £ | 2023 | |
| Fees payable to the independent examiner for: | 300 | 264 | ||
| Independent examination of the financial | ||||
| statements |
9. Staff Costs
The average head count of employees during the year was Nil (2023: Nil). No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2023: Nil).
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- Trustee Renumeration and Expenses No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees. 11. Debtors £ 2024 £ 2023 Other Debtors 197 4,814 12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year £ 2024 £ 2023 Accurals and Deffered Income 300 263 13. Analysis of Charitable Funds Unrestricted Funds At 1 March 2023 Income Expenditure At 29 February £ £ £ £ 2024 General Funds 60,810 70,653 [78,254] 53,209 At 1 March 2022 Income Expenditure At 28 February £ £ £ £ 2023 General Funds 53,833 91,132 [84,155] 60,810 14. Analysis of Net Assests Between Funds Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Unrestricted Funds Total Funds £ £ 2024 £ £ 2023 Current Assests 53,509 53,509 61,074 61,074 Creditors Less Than 1 Year [300] [300] [264] [264] Net Assets 53,209 53,209 60,810 60,810 page 15 steppingstonescharity.org ~~'~~
IMAGINE STRUGGLING TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR
FAMILY DAY AFTER DAY.[IMAGINE HAVING TO ] CHOOSE BETWEEN A MEAL AND MEDICINE FOR YOUR CHILD. IMAGINE WALKING HOURS JUST TO
FIND A JOB THAT PAYS ENOUGH TO SURVIVE IMAGINE WORKING ALL DAY AND STILL GOING TO
BED HUNGRY IMAGINE BEING ONE OF 700 MILLION PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD LIVING IN POVERTY WHAT IF TOGETHER WE COULD CHANGE THAT?
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