| Trustees' Annual Report for the period | |||||||||
| From | Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||||
| 01 | January | 2024 | 31 | December | 2024 |
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) Charity's principal address
| Canterbury for Ukraine | Canterbury for Ukraine | |
|---|---|---|
| C4U | ||
| 1204746 | ||
| c/o KENT REFUGEE ACTION NETWORK | ||
| SIMMONDS ROAD | ||
| WINCHEAP INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, CANTERBURY | ||
| Postcode: | CT1 3RA |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office | Dates acted if not fo the wholeyear |
r Trustee name |
Office | Dates acted if not for the wholeyear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Anastasi a Skelton |
N/A | N/A | 7. Domenica Pecoraro |
Welcome Hub Lead | N/A |
| 2. Annette King |
N/A | N/A | 8. Giles Polglase | N/A | N/A |
| 3. Brian Bennett |
Deputy Treasurer |
N/A | 9. Oksana Styles | N/A | N/A |
| 4. Connie Nolan |
N/A | N/A | 10. Olena Nizalova |
Chair of the C4U Ladies’ Choir |
N/A |
| 5. David Clarke |
Treasurer | N/A | 11. Philip Pothen |
N/A | Until 10 May, 2024 |
| 6. Denys Nizalov |
Chair | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Our Patrons:
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Baroness Alison Mary Suttie, Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom;
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Ms. Anne Decker, Former Lord Mayor of Canterbury;
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Cllr. Jean Butcher, Lord Mayor of Canterbury.
Names of the executive team members
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for the whole year |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ganna Yezhova | Bookkeeping Support | From 23 December, 2024 |
| 2. David Chapman | Choir Accompanist & Arranger | N/A |
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| 3. Hanna Hrekova | Admin Support, Aid for Ukraine Lead, Choir Treasurer |
N/A |
|---|---|---|
| 4. Joanna Chapman | Choir Director & Conductor | N/A |
| 5. Maryna Poltavska | HR Support, Choir Admin Support | N/A |
| 6. Maryna Shkinder | Communications Support | From 1 August, 2024 |
| 7. Nataliia Hnatenko | YoungUkrainians Hub Director | From 15 October, 2024 |
| 8. Vladlena Russova | Ukrainian Discussion GroupLead | N/A |
| 9. Volodymyr Nizalov | Young at Hearts Club Lead | N/A |
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document Constitution (last amended: 15 September, 2023) How the charity is constituted Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustee selection methods Elected by members
Additional governance issues:
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Established as Unincorporated Charitable Association in May 2022
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Restructured into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in March 2023 and registered as a CIO by the Charity Commission in September 2023.
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This report is the first report to the Charity Commission. However, reports for 2022 and 2023 were developed and approved by the C4U Trustees.
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The following policies and procedures were adopted in 2024:
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Fundraising Policy and Strategy
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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
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DBS Certificate Information Handling Policy
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Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders
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Health and Safety Policy
Section C Objectives and activities
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The objects of the CIO, to be carried out for the public benefit in Canterbury and the surrounding
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Summary of area, are:
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the objects of 1) The relief of need among Ukrainians granted the UK visas under the Homes for Ukraine, Visa
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the charity Extension or Family Schemes and those hosting them, primarily but not exclusively through providing
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set out in its or assisting in the provision of:
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governing a) advice, practical support services and information to assist them to adapt within a new
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document community;
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b) essential items and financial support; c) recreational and leisure time activities provided in the interests of social welfare designed to improve their conditions of life;
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d) advice, guidance and practical support to hosts; e) education and training in the English language;
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f) signposting to other organisations offering support when appropriate.
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2) The relief of need for the public benefit among Ukrainians residing in Ukraine, and such other countries as the trustees shall determine, who have been displaced as a result of war with Russia through the provision of grants of financial assistance to charitable organisations who are working to support them.
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3) To advance education for the public benefit in the language, culture and heritage of Ukraine by: a) providing Ukrainian language classes and organising activities and events to educate and engage the public in the history, culture and traditions of Ukraine; and
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b) Collaborating with academics, statutory authorities and policy makers to facilitate research (the useful results of which will be published) into the experience of Ukrainian people and the effect upon them and upon Ukrainian culture, resulting from displacement following the outbreak of war with Russia in Ukraine.
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The above objects are achieved by implementing the following activities in 2024: Communication: ● Canterbury for Ukraine Facebook group (Objective 1) established in March 2022 with more than 2450 active members (https://www.facebook.com/groups/canterbury.for.ukraine) is an information-sharing platform for the local community. C4U volunteers provide administration to the group;
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● An official Facebook page Canterbury for Ukraine Charity (Objective 1) (https://www.facebook.com/CanterburyForUkraineCharity) was established in August 2024 to consolidate the information published by C4U and its activities;
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● Website www.Canterbury4Ukraine.org (Objective 1) is used to share information about the C4U activities. A major update was launched in December 2024;
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● 20 publications and reports in British and Ukrainian public media were made about C4U activities in 2024. These included the BBC, BBC Radio Kent, Sky News, KMTV, Cabin FM, Suspilne, Espresso, Pryamyi, 5 Channel.
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Individual support: ● ‘ Welcome Hub’ - a one-stop information and contact service for Ukrainians and host families (Objective 1). It provides weekly drop-in and thematic information workshops. Partners: It was established in April 2022 in partnership with the Social Justice Network of Canterbury Diocese and Canterbury Umbrella Centre. Results in 2024: 38 weekly sessions were organised and attended by an average of 15 people. Main Areas of Support: Housing, Employment, Universal Credit claims, Utility Bills, Council Tax and Education. The topics of the workshops included: Community Safety (by Kent Police), Self-employment (by DWP), and First Aids (by Kent Adult Learning). An SJN volunteer who offers accountancy and self-employment ad hoc support. The Hub was implemented by a team of 2-3 support officers and representatives of the Canterbury City Council and DWP. The satisfaction survey implemented in February 2024 has demonstrated a high level of satisfaction and gratitude by the clients of the Welcome Hub for the provided support. One of the comments states: “ I am a retiree. Many times, I turned to Anastasia Skelton, and Maryna Poltavaska for help, once to Nastya Nizalova. All my cases were always resolved. I received a meaningful, qualified answer to all my questions. The girls are attentive, friendly, pleasant to communicate with. In my case, I can't imagine how it could be even better. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
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by Vasyl via FB
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● Financial Aid for Displaced Ukrainians program started in 2024. During the year, 5 need-based grants of £200 were issued to cover the emergency costs of the Ukrainian
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families in the Canterbury District. A generous donation from the Quakers Friends Society and unrestricted C4U funds were used to support this program.
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Summary of Education and personal development: the main activities ● English language classes (Objective 1) - two to three English classes (6-8 hours) per week and undertaken for an opportunity to take ESOL exams the public Partner: Canterbury Christ Church University, KCC Adult Education benefit in Results in 2024: The project was discontinued in July 2024 by transferring this activity to the relation to KCC Adult Education. From April 2022 to July 2024 the program, which was attended by 80 to these objects 120 people at any point in time, served as a community hub for the displaced Ukrainians. (include within Participants not only learned the English language and culture but also found connections to this section the Ukrainian community and established a support network for each other. the statutory ● Bi-monthly Young Ukrainians Hub (YoU-Hub) (Objectives 1, 3) - is an educational and social declaration centre for young Ukrainians in East Kent. Its goal is to encourage Ukrainian children and youth that trustees to maintain a connection with their Ukrainian heritage by popularizing Ukrainian traditions, have had language and culture. It provides regard to the children and their parents with a guidance safe place for social interactions issued by the within their native environment. Charity Partner: Simon Langton Grammar Commission School for Girls with partial funding on public by the Kent County Department of benefit) Education and generous donations by parents. Results in 2024: 24 sessions (including special events) attended
by 548 children (age 3–17) and 125 parents (on average of 23 children per session). The parents' club offered fitness, English speaking club, hobby training, and support with transition to e-Visa applications.
Special events:
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16/03/24 - Visit to the Canterbury Fire Station for children and their parents;
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o 06/04/24 - Trip to the Dover Castle; o 12/10/24 - Trip to London, including tours of the legendary Kozak boat “Presvyata Pokrova” (Chayka) and the New Scientist live exhibition;
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o 21/12/24 - Premiere of Malanka performance in Ukrainian.
YoU-Hub team: 8-10 activity leads and volunteers under the leadership of Lada Russova (January-July, 2024) and Nataliia Hnatenko (October-December, 2024). Responsible trustee and Designated Safeguarding lead - Olena Nizalova Starting in September 2024, three Ukrainian teenagers volunteered for the YoU-Hub as a part of The Duke of Edinburgh programme.
Parent’s comments:
«My two kids attend YoU-Hub. We are glad to have this opportunity to meet other Ukrainian kids, contact them and share emotions. Teachers are amazing and treat students with respect, inspire to learn about our country and history. It is hard for us as parents to make kids learn something except English school but with teachers in YoU-Hub, our children have more discipline and get important knowledge about Ukraine. We are appreciative of all staff of the centre and C4U for organizing YoU-Hub…»
Olha Bychuk (mother of Polina and Anastasiia)
- Ukrainian as a foreign language (Objective 3) – weekly lessons for small groups of school children and adults from the local community (delivered by Lada Russova) Partner: Simon Langton Grammar School for Girls (SLGGS)
The activity continued during 2024 with a small group of children (2-3 children per session). The activity was transferred under the management of the SLGGS;
Community building:
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Community events (Objectives 3) – 4 main community events (the War Anniversary on 24 February; Vyshyvanka day, 16 May; Independence Day, 24 August; Holodomor Commemoration, 23 November) and several smaller events were organised in 2024. The total number of participants for main events was between 250 and 600 people including Ukrainian families, local sponsors and supporters of Ukraine from Canterbury and East Kent. The highlight of the year was the Holodomor Commemoration Service in the Canterbury Cathedral, which attracted more than 600 people from Kent County and beyond. The service was attended by the representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK. The main purpose of the community events was to demonstrate solidarity with Ukrainian people, to support the local Ukrainian community, to celebrate Ukrainian culture and commemorate important events in Ukrainian history. The Lord Mayor of Canterbury, MPs and community leaders joined these events.
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Young at Hearts (Objective 1) - a social club for
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older age Ukrainians. The club is organised to prevent social isolation of older age displaced Ukrainians. Partner: Canterbury Umbrella Centre
Results in 2024: The Club includes about 20 members. During 2024, the Club had 62 weekly meetings and special events including tours to museums and hiking trips. The club members took an active role as volunteers at the C4U public events.
«I am grateful to the woman who, in the first days of my stay in Dover, when I was in complete despair, directed me to the Young Hearts club. There I felt that even at my age, it is possible not only to adapt to life in another country, but also to perceive every moment as unique and bright. I am grateful to everyone with whom fate brought me together in this group.»
Tetyana Kozhukhova, Young at Hearts member
- Liaison with local government , charitable organisations, and businesses on behalf of the Ukrainian community (Objectives 1) to improve access to local support and services. C4U trustees are actively involved with representation of the Ukrainian community of the Canterbury District and East Kent at various meetings, local and national events. For example, C4U representatives attend regular Network meetings of local government authorities in support of the Home for Ukraine scheme. They also represent the Ukrainian community at the Ethnic Minority in Canterbury (EMIC) meetings and meetings of the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) to Kent Police.
Cultural development:
- C4U Ladies’ Choir (Objective 3) was organised in August 2022 and targets several objectives: to provide psychological support to displaced Ukrainian women and prevent social isolation, to celebrate Ukrainian culture and share it with the local community, to fundraise for the
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needs of the Ukrainian community in East Kent and humanitarian needs in Ukraine. As such, the Choir offers a healing space for women through singing, helping members form friendships and support circles The Choir has about 30 participants and operates under the leadership by Joanna Chapman and Olena Nizalova. Results in 2024: The Choir had 46 weekly rehearsals, performed in 14 concerts and contributed to the C4U public events, and fundraising efforts. Audience at the concerts: Total number ~2600; Estimated profile: ~70% British, ~60% women, ~5-7% under 18, ~30% over 65.
Volunteers: 3 volunteers among the Choir plus 5-10 volunteers involved in supporting every concert that the Choir is organising.
Most significant events: contribution to Festival of Remembrance in Rochester Cathedral and Service of Remembrance of the Victims of Holodomor in Canterbury Cathedral.
Quotes by the Choir member: “The choir holds immense significance for me; it is a place where my soul finds rest from worries, a source of inspiration and strength, a space for connecting with my native culture. In the beginning, the choir healed my soul after the hardships of war, released tension on a physical level, and reminded me that as long as we sing, we cannot be defeated. It is also a place where I meet new friends—our circle of strong women who share experiences, smiles, and support. Our performances are beautiful moments of unity with the audience, speaking the universal language of creativity and music.” Lily, choir member since July 2022
● The 3 Cultures Project
A one-year project for community integration through dance and music started in April 2024 under the leadership of Ms. Charlotte Baynes. The project was supported by The Arts Council England and included:
- Flamenco dance train for East Kent-based Ukrainians and Britons; - Two concerts (on 17th and 18th August, at the Clagett Auditorium, Canterbury), and - An art exhibition at The Beaney opening to the public on 10th May 2025, for 2 months.
The concerts were the culmination of the project bringing together the new Flamenco learners alongside the professional troupe: ‘Punta del Boquerón’ from Andalusia, local ‘Gypskazz’ band, ‘Canterbury 4 Ukraine Ladies Choir’ and Ukrainian music trio: ‘On Yellow and Blue’. The theme of the performance was: ‘Journey-far from home’.
Some comments from the audience included:
“It was absolutely fantastic! Incredible music, dancing + joy. So much love, laughter and passion. A unique and emotional experience. So much talent. AMAZING !”
Aside from budgeted essentials such as hall hire, costumes and sound tech, the project has contributed funds of £3,460 for Ukrainian support work/administration and volunteer, choir and seamstress expenses. £1,660 of this has been paid directly to C4U to be managed.
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● Ukrainian Book Collection and Discussion Club (Objectives 3) Partner: Beaney Library Results in 2024: C4U donated about 150 books of modern Ukrainian literature and books about Ukraine making the Library collection of Ukrainian literature of more than 300 books. These books were entered into the catalogue and made available to readers around Kent County through the library loan system. The Library reported issuing 283 loans during the year. 23 sessions of the Discussion Club are organised by Lada Russova. The sessions were attended by 307 visitors. These discussions often included guest speakers among the modern Ukrainian authors and journalists.
The club members contributed to the European Culture Dayon the 27 April organised by EMIC.
Comments from the Club participants include:
“The Ukrainian Discussion Club, held fortnightly, is an invaluable resource for Ukrainian refugees and community members. Facilitated by Lada Russova, the club offers a welcoming space for socializing, sharing experiences, and staying connected with one another. Lada consistently prepares engaging topics that resonate with participants, ensuring each session is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. Her presentations are insightful and well-structured, adding significant value to the discussions. This initiative is a vital opportunity for emotional support and community building. It's a truly wonderful gathering that strengthens bonds within the Ukrainian refugee community.
Margarita Bondarenko, a Discussion Club participant
● Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Club - C4U Creative Circle (Objectives 3) The Club offers a serene, meditative space where women can engage in various crafting activities, communicate, and express themselves creatively without the distractions of daily life. It welcomes anyone - British and Ukrainian and other nationals - wishing to learn Ukrainian traditional crafts, like criss-cross embroidery, vytynanka, doll making, etc.
Since its establishment in November 2024, the Club has had 8 sessions with 4-5 participants per session. The leadership is provided by Yulia Frolova, Anna Yezhova, Helga Cucure.
Help for Ukraine:
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Books for Brave Kids (Objectives 2) - a collection of English books for schools in Ukraine was organised by Tamila Senko, Lada Russova and Hanna Hrekova. There were 21 boxes with books collected and delivered to 6 schools and one shelter “Misto Dobra”.
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Fundraising and donations for humanitarian projects in Ukraine (Objective 2)
Partner: UAid Direct Charity(registered Ukrainian charity – registration code 44710733) operated by Ukrainian and international volunteers (https://uaiddirect.org ) Results in 2024: A new partnership was established with UAid Direct Charity. An MoU was signed in September 2024 after completing due diligence. £4,400 was raised for humanitarian projects in Ukraine. £1,000 was transferred to UAid Direct to support the renovation of an orphanage in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine.
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Canterbury Stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian People!
Section D Achievements and performance
Summar The year 2024 was an institutional building period for C4U. Several key policies were developed and y of the adopted. An executive team of project leads and administrative support officers started playing a more main active role in the implementation of the C4U activities leaving trustees a role of governing body. achieve C4U has invested in the development of its volunteers: 13 volunteers went through a one-day “Emergency ments First Aid at Work” training and became certified first-aiders; 5 volunteers went through the food hygiene of the training. charity
C4U was using funds raised in 2023 and was able to mobilise new core and project-specific funds from the during following sources:
the year
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Kent Canterbury Community Foundation/ Masonic Charitable Foundation/The Book Trust Fund for Kent;
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Canterbury City Council Home for Ukraine program;
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donations during the Choir concerts and community events;
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donations by parents of the YoU-Hub children;
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donations by the people of Canterbury.
The funding allowed contracting Administrative, Fundraising, Bookkeeping and Communication officers to strengthen C4U administration.
Trustees and Members of C4U are thankful to our supporters for their generous funding and trust in our organisation!
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Section E Financial review
Brief statement of the charity’s Reserve policy was not formulated policy on reserves Details of any funds materially in No deficit was recorded deficit Total revenue: £ 67,989.81 Total expenditure: £ 56,016.93 Revenue and expenditure Surplus: £1, 972.88 For details please see C4U Accounts, 2024
Section F Other optional information
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Public liability insurance was maintained for all C4U activities;
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C4U contracted 15 self-employed service providers all from the Ukrainian community to support the implementation of projects (primarily the YoU-Hub and administrative support);
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About 20 volunteers were involved besides the trustees (primarily for organisation of events);
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All volunteers and service providers involved with children and vulnerable groups received safeguarding and induction training and went through the Enhanced DBS check.
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Annette King Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Interim Chair Date: 20/10/2025
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Canterbury for Ukraine {C4U) Receipts and Payments Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity Number: 1204746
Canterbury for Ukralne {C4U) Recelpts and Payments Accounts For the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Recei Fundralslng Donations CAF Donations Donations for U-Hub Donations for Ukraine Grants Interest 1,514.09 1,840.75 16,726.23 3,584.83 1,054.85 2,014.28 2,310.00 60,234.14 76.55 64,712.39 67,989.81 86,078.30 Pa ments Charitable payments Support of individuals in need Community Events C4U Ladies Choir U-Hub Welcome Hub Mistro Dobra Ukranian Charity Donation Publicity Adminsitration and media Fundraising costs Bookkeeping Insurance Training Books for library Young at hearts 1,000.00 5,204.64 6,710.58 16,544.50 9,235.00 1,122.00 687.77 9,301.74 2,445.65 7.08 196.95 487.00 2,401.14 672.88 200.00 1,996.99 4,956.00 19,118.04 1,426.36 120.00 4,730.64 4,367.49 702.(KJ 190.27 56,016.93 37,807.79 Net of (payments) I receipts Cash funds last year Cash fvnds thls year 11,972.88 48,270.51 7,872.48 56,142.99 68,115.87 56,142.99 The above receipts and payments account were approved by the Trustees on 2 May 2025 Pagel-
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S RERPORT TO THE TRUSTEES CANTERBURY FOR UKRAINE C4U I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 310ecember 2024 which ale set out on pages I Respectlve responslbllltles of trustees and eMamSner The charitvs trusteès are responsible for the preparation of the account5. The charity's trustees con51der thal an Hudit is not required for thls year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Actl and that an independent examination Is needed. It is my responsibility to.. examlne the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act,. follow the procedures laid down in the general Dirertions given by the Charlty Commi$5i0n under section 1451Sllbl of the 2011 Act,. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examiner's report My examination was carried out In accordance with the general Dlrectlons given by the Charity Commission. An examlnalion includes a revSew of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the atcounts presented with those records. it also includes consideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation5 from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undeitaken do not provide all the Idence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion Ss given as to wheiher thè accounts present a 'true and fair view" and the report 15 limited to those matters set out Th the statement below. Independent examlner's statement In eonnection with my examinatton, no matter has come to my attention.. which gives me reasonable cause to belleve that in any material rèspect, the requirements.. to keep accounting record5 in accordance wlth sectlon 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts whlch accord with the accountlng records and comply wlth the accounting requirements of the Charltles Act have not been met,. or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understandln8 of the account5 to be reached. Graham Rennells FCA 10 Henry Court Gordon Road Canterbury Kent Date- 22 Ottober 2025