## **SPARKS CARDIFF CHARITABLE TRUST ANNUAL RETURN 2025** 

Charity Registration Number: 1174363 Financial Year: 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report** 

## **Introduction** 

Sparks Cardiff Charitable Trust continues to focus on supporting local communities in Cardiff, with particular emphasis on reducing loneliness and social isolation during the Christmas period. The charity’s activities are intentionally small-scale, volunteer-led, and community-focused, ensuring that available funds are used directly to support beneficiaries. 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The primary objective of Sparks Cardiff Charitable Trust is to promote social inclusion and wellbeing within the local community, particularly for individuals who may otherwise feel isolated during the festive season. 

During the financial year ended 31 March 2024, the charity undertook the following activities: 

• Santa Sleigh Activities – Running a local Santa sleigh initiative to bring festive cheer to the community and support wider engagement during the Christmas period. 

• Christmas Meal and Celebration for the Elderly – Facilitating and supporting a Christmas meal and celebration for elderly members of the community who would otherwise have spent Christmas alone, providing companionship, food, and a safe, welcoming environment. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

During the year, the charity successfully delivered its planned festive activities despite operating with modest financial resources. Key achievements included: 

- Delivery of a Santa sleigh event supported by volunteers. 

- Organisation and support of a Christmas meal and celebration for elderly community members. 

- Continued volunteer involvement ensuring efficient and low-cost delivery of activities. 

## **Financial Review** 

## **Income and Expenditure for the Year Ended 31 March 2024** 

Income Charitable donations: £2,300 Total income: £2,300 

Expenditure Charitable activities (Santa sleigh and Christmas meal): £1,790 



Total expenditure: £1,790 

Surplus for the year: £510 

## **Reserves Policy** 

The surplus of £510 generated during the year will be retained to support future charitable activities and provide a modest contingency for operating costs. 

## **Structure, Governance, and Management** 

Sparks Cardiff Charitable Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees and operates on a volunteer basis. Trustees are not remunerated for their services. 

## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** 

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and financial statements, maintaining proper accounting records, safeguarding assets, and ensuring funds are applied in line with the charity’s objectives. 

Signed on behalf of the Trustees: 

Jason Ford – Trustee Date: 13 January 2026 

Jeff Barry – Trustee Date: 13 January 2026