REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1199809
UKRAINE RELIEF AID
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
Cox Costello & Horne Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors Batchworth Lock House 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1JJ
UKRAINE RELIEF AID
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
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Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Chairman's Report 2
Report of the Trustees 3 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Statement of Financial Position 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 12
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
TRUSTEES A Young (appointed 27.7.22) M G R Edwards (appointed 30.1.23) J D A Cummins (appointed 27.7.22) PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Castlepoint Unit Z, East Mall Castle Lane West Bournemouth BH8 9UW REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1199809 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Cox Costello & Horne Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors Batchworth Lock House 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1JJ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Karol Swiacki
The Charity's web site address is https://www.ukrainerelief.org.uk/about
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
The charity had a successful year in providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians living in the areas of Ukraine (South and East) most effected by the war. As the needs of the Ukraine people became ever more apparent the charity was able to increase its delivery of essential items such as food, bedding, medical items etc.
The charity was able to provide aid for Ukrainians of each age group from babies where baby formula, nappies, food etc were provided through to providing wheelchairs and medicines for the elderly. The charity received many thousands of photographs and videos from those receiving the aid to verify the aid had reached the intended recipients. The charity was able to have tight oversight of the supply chain right from the warehouse in Bournemouth through to the village where the aid was finally delivered.
Over the course of the year the Charity's Chief Executive Officer Karol Swiacki ("CEO") and Trustees visited Ukraine to perform due diligence on our partners in Ukraine to ensure they were operating in the required way ensuring all necessary laws and regulations were being followed. The CEO was successful in building excellent working relationships with suppliers of warehousing and transportation services to ensure the charity could meet its objective.
The Charity undertook a number of fundraising activities during the year, including the Cycling to Ukraine trip which raised the profile of the charity and led to a number of additional donations. The charity also had a number of businesses make contact and goods with an approximate retail value of £7m were received and transported to Ukraine. This included rucksacks from Osprey Europe, food from Organics, and Pharos and additional goods from Silver Crane Ltd, Carlussio Foundation, Wessex Packaging, Breeze VW, AOG Worldwide, Giving World, Limbcare UK, Adido Agency, NHS supplies and Artigos.
Substantial donations of PPE equipment were also received and the Charity transported these to hospitals in Ukraine. Other donations were received from churches, community groups as well as members of the public including substantial donations from JP Morgan Bank, Richard Adlem MBE and Kind Englishman.
The Charity also received substantial support from Castlepoint Bournemouth which allowed the charity to have use of warehousing and loading bay facilities. In addition to donations raised in the UK, Ukraine Relief Aid established a relationship with a US based 501c (3) charity called Ukraine Freedom Fund that allowed US donations to be received and this is a growing source of financial support for Ukraine Relief Aid.
Over the course of the year in review it was brought to the Trustees attention that children were being particularly impacted by the war and their physical and mental health was at risk. The CEO and Trustees are looking at practical ways to support children in the future. A number of options are being considered.
The Trustees recognise that the Ukraine/Russia conflict has started with Ukraine is likely to continue for the foreseeable future and that the charity has to position itself to provide support for the longer term and this inevitably means additional funding will be required.
The CEO and Trustees would like to thank the volunteers, partners all donors and other stakeholders that have allowed Ukraine Relief to have a successful year. The Charity looks forward to continuing its support for Ukraine.
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 27 July 2022 to 31 July 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
The trustees present their report and the financial statements of Ukraine Aid Relief ("URA")for the period ended 31 July 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice {Charities SOAP (FRS 102) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102).
The charity was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation under the Charity Commission with model governing documents.
The charity trustees for the purposes of charity law are known as members of the Board of Trustees.
The members of the Board of Trustees are elected to serve for a period of three years after which they must step down and may be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
A broad skill set is represented on the Board of Trustees, including experts in finance, IT, medical research and business. This board has been constituted in order to provide the professional and technical expertise required to ensure accountability for and efficiency in URA's work.
We believe assessing the quality of the work being undertaken with URA funding, the competence of local partners; and the financial integrity of the programmes are the most appropriate ways for Trustees to ensure the accountability of URA's work.
The key management personnel of the charity as listed on Page 1 are in charge of directing, controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis. The pay and remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity was set up to provide relief supplies in any area, region or country in the world for Ukrainian people, who are suffering hardship or distress by reason of their lack of food, clothing, shelter or medical supplies of all kinds either due to war.
Prior to Ukraine Relief Aid charity being created, the CEO and a number of volunteers were actively engaged in supporting Ukraine from day 1 of the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022. This work was made possible by the use of a vacant unit at Castlepoint Centre in Bournemouth, UK. The Charity was established to formalise and continue this work.
The charity undertakes this either by direct action or by supporting other charities which are registered in England and Wales or organisations which have charitable purposes in accordance with the law in England and Wales.
The charity's objectives did not change in the period.
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities
The significant activities during the period included the following initiatives
During the period the Charity set up a major transportation unit in Castlepoint Bournemouth from where it collected, sorted and transported tonnes of aid to the people of Ukraine.
Children are the future
We have observed first hand the impact the war is having on children’s mental and physical health. In our first visits to five schools , we helped thousands of children and realised how important this mission is for future.
Schools in Ukraine are struggling with equipment for basic education of sports, arts and games. We are providing suitable schools with essential sport equipment, games, arts and crafts material, and many other activities.
We aim to reach all children, including those with disabilities, through sport and games. By promoting both physical and mental health benefits, this project is becoming a symbol of the world's concern for Ukrainian children.
Shoebox Appeal
Our Shoe Box Appeal for Ukrainian children amidst conflict was a heartwarming chapter in our community's history. In a time of strife, our resilient community united with local and international companies, creating a wave of happiness. The generosity and dedication of these organisations, alongside local volunteers, filled shoeboxes with love and presents, symbolising hope and joy. This collective effort not only provided tangible items but also planted seeds of happiness and faith in the future of these young souls.
Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers in the UK and Ukraine, whose commitment made the Shoe Box Appeal a reality. Without your hard work and compassion, the warmth and joy brought to these young hearts wouldn't have been possible. Your collective spirit of kindness has created a ripple effect of hope and positivity. From the bottom of our hearts, we express our deepest gratitude to each of you.
The Christmas gifts initiative achieved remarkable success, bringing joy to children in schools, orphanages, and communities across Ukraine. Thanks to the invaluable support of the BCP community in Dorset and Hampshire, the West Sussex community, HAF GB, Lush GB, JP Morgan, The Silver Crane Company LTD, and JW Sport, we spread happiness with 3,500 beautiful boxes and fantastic presents.
The dedicated Ukraine Relief team, including CEO Karol and trustees Alastair and Marc, travelled to Ukraine and delivered gifts to various locations, underscoring the positive impact achieved when communities unite for a noble cause. The smiles on these children's faces stand as a testament to the heartwarming success of this initiative.
Urgent Food Supplies
We have delivered over 1,500 tonnes of food since the beginning of the full scale invasion of Ukraine
All of this is thanks to the amazing support of Cannelloni, Waitrose, the Antonio Calcicole Foundation, Kind English man, Silver Crane Ltd, Richard Adler, Pharos Energy and many others - including thousands of members of the general public - who trust us to deliver aid to where it is most needed.
Water Purification Tablets
Our team has also delivered over 500,000 water purification tablets, primarily to Khamsin, after the dam collapse. All of this was made possible thanks to donors from around the world, including the USA, the Netherlands, and Dubai.
Our project has helped clean 8,000,000 litres of water.
Generators of Hope
We have delivered over 260 generators to Ukraine to help power the country.
Our most recent industrial generator delivery was sent to a police station in Kryvyi Rih, where they have been struggling with electricity for months.
We have also been able to assist many individuals, schools, hospitals, and shelter.
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Bags of Love
Ukraine Relief's Bags of Love project is a heartfelt initiative specifically crafted to bring comfort and support to the people of Ukraine currently facing the harsh realities of war.
This compassionate project aims to provide emotional support, particularly to children and mothers. Care packages are meticulously customized, containing essential items like hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, and comforting items such as blankets or teddies.
Distributed globally through partnerships with organizations, shelters, hospitals, and community outreach programs, these packages also include handwritten notes and positive affirmations for emotional uplifted. Collaborating with local businesses, community organizations, and individuals, the project ensures a broad reach.
Beyond care distribution, Bags of Love advocates for increased awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the Ukrainian population through educational campaigns and community events.
Our team have now packed many thousands of bags with hope for Ukrainian children!
Dnieper Orphanage support
We support the children and young adults of the Dnipropetrovsk Boarding house, an orphanage for over 200 residents with Autism and Cerebral Palsy, providing essential supplies, equipment and food.
Following a direct request from the staff, we have recently upgraded the beds in some of the dormitories so that they now conform to the highest comfort and medical standards.
The handicapped suffer disproportionally in any war zone and with many of the residents of this orphanage at the extreme end of the spectrum, they cannot easily be relocated away from the front line. Dormitory windows are boarded up to prevent glass related injuries from incoming rockets and missiles so many residents never get to see the light of day.
Ukraine Relief aims to alleviate some of this suffering by providing support with compassion and kindness.
Cycling To Ukraine
In April 2023, our team completed a 1,850 mile charity bike ride to Ukraine from our base in Bournemouth, UK, raising essential funds for Ukrainian children.
The first leg of the journey took us to London. From there we went to Harwich, crossing the channel to the Hook of Holland, then through the Netherlands, Germany and Poland before arriving in Ukraine. We passed through major cities, including Berlin, Poznan and Warsaw, raising more funds for Ukrainian children along the way.
Our riders carried a ‘symbol of hope’, which was handed to Ukrainian triathletes at the Ukraine border, who carried it through Ukraine to its destination in Kyiv as a beacon of hope to victims of the conflict.
Public benefit
The Charity's Trustees have complied with their duty under Section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charities Commission when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities whether in the nature of incoming or outgoing resources.
Volunteers
The Charity has had hundreds of volunteers over the last year to help primarily with accepting, sorting and packing donations in the Castlepoint warehouse ready to be transported by HGV to Ukraine. Over 200 HGVs and vans with approximately 3,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid have been sent between the period of the war starting and the end of July 2023.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Investment policy and objectives
Under the constitution, the charity has the power to make any investments that the Trustees see fit.
Reserves policy
URA's policy is to maintain unrestricted funds sufficient to cover 4 months' operating expenses which has been the case throughout 2023.
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Statement of fundraising practice
In accordance with the charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016, the following statement outlines the fundraising practice for the Ukraine Relief Aid in 2023.
In 2023 there were no failures to comply with the Fundraising Regulator's code of practice. URA does not sell or swap data with other charities or organisations or make any cold telephone calls to the general public.
In 2023 URA did not contact services for any professional fundraisers as defined by section 58 of the Charities Act 1992. During the course of 2023 URA received no complaints about our fundraising practice in response to any of our fundraising direct mailings that were sent out
. URA does not engage in persistent or intrusive fundraising practices with any of our supporters, including vulnerable people. Where vulnerable people or those acting on their behalf request to cease communications, we act on their wishes.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
A Young - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF UKRAINE RELIEF AID
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of UKRAINE RELIEF AID
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Ukraine Relief UK ('the charity') for the period 31 July 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position and related notes.
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
As permitted by Direction 2, issued by the Charity Commission the firm for which I work has provided the charitable company with bookkeeping services during the period ended 31 July 2023. As a consequence I have followed the requirement of the FRC's Ethical Standard when undertaking this assignment.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a 'true and fair' view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner's statement.
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 any material respect:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of 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 independent 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 financial statements to be reached
Michael F Cox FCA
Cox Costello & Horne Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors Batchworth Lock House 99 Church Street, Rickmansworth WD3 1JJ
28 March 2024
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
| Ukraine Unrestricted Humanitarian fund Relief Notes £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies - 166,968 Other trading activities 2 - 8,878 Total - 175,846 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds - 9,263 Charitable activities Ukraine Relief - 119,186 Other - 1,500 Total - 129,949 NET INCOME - 45,897 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD - 45,897 |
Total funds £ 166,968 8,878 |
|---|---|
| 175,846 | |
| 9,263 119,186 1,500 |
|
| 129,949 | |
| 45,897 | |
| 45,897 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 JULY 2023
| Ukraine Unrestricted Humanitarian fund Relief Notes £ £ CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5 - 6,498 Cash at bank - 41,600 - 48,098 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 6 - (2,201) NET CURRENT ASSETS - 45,897 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES - 45,897 NET ASSETS - 45,897 FUNDS 7 Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Total funds £ 6,498 41,600 48,098 (2,201) 45,897 45,897 45,897 45,897 45,897 |
|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 28 March 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:
A Young - Trustee
J D A Cummins - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| Fundraising events Shop income |
£ 6,945 1,933 |
|---|---|
| 8,878 |
3.
TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 July 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 31 July 2023.
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
4. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows: Charitable activities |
£ 19,250 1,924 268 |
|---|---|
| 21,442 | |
| 1 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
All employee time involved in providing either support to the governance of the charity or support services to charitable activities.
The charity considers its key management personnel comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total employment benefits including employer social security and employer pension contributions of the key management personnel were £21,442.
5. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
6.
| Expenses control CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Taxation and social security Other creditors |
£ 6,498 |
|---|---|
| £ 545 1,656 |
|
| 2,201 |
7.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | |||
| movement | |||
| in funds | At 31.7.23 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Restricted funds | |||
| Ukraine Humanitarian Relief | 45,897 | 45,897 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 45,897 | 45,897 | |
| Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | |||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Ukraine Humanitarian Relief | 175,846 | (129,949) | 45,897 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 175,846 | (129,949) | 45,897 |
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UKRAINE RELIEF AID
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 27 JULY 2022 TO 31 JULY 2023
8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the period ended 31 July 2023.
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