El Abrigo (N.I.) Trustee’s Report 2025
Reference and Administrative Information
El Abrigo (N.I.) Charity Number 109300, Company Number NI671416, registered as a Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital on 30[th] July 2020
Registered office address, 11 Martello Park, Holywood, Northern Ireland, BT18 0DG
Trustees
Ian McAleer, Paul Shields, Gordon Macleod
Objectives and Activities
Purpose
The purpose of El Abrigo (N.I.) is to promote the work of Fundación El Abrigo (A Colombian Charity incorporated with Registro Unico Tributario and registered with the Cali Chamber of Commerce) for purposes deemed charitable as per the Charities Act (NI) 2008 and; ii. To raise funds for Fundación El Abrigo for purposes deemed charitable as per the Charities Act (NI) 2008.
As part of our purpose, we undertake promotional activities and fundraising through car washes, concerts, speaking engagements, partnering with local churches and personal giving. We also support this work through prayer. We meet regularly as the Trustees normally monthly to consider progress, give thanks and plan.
All the funds we raise are sent to Fundación El Abrigo in Cali. We receive regular written and verbal reports from Cali on how the funds are used to fulfil the Charity’s purposes (1) the advancement of Religion and (2) the relief of poverty. From time-to-time trustees and supporters from Northern Ireland visit Cali to confirm the accuracy of the reports we receive. Fundación El Abrigo is also independently regulated by the local authorities in Colombia.
Achievements and Performance
Through our support the general public in CALI have received many benefits. The church in CALI is vibrant and flourishing. There is public worship on Sundays and midweek bible study and prayer activities for Women and young people. There is an open house every Wednesday for the local community and the church also provides second hand clothing
service. During this period the Church building was completely refurbished and a separate space for a Sunday School established.
The church established a charitable foundation in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in CALI. The foundation continues to supply free meals to school age children every day, in addition they facilitate doctors from local hospitals providing medical care.
Financial Review
We have a dedicated group of supporters and through their efforts we have been able to send £9625 to Fundacion El Abrigo this year. A 28% increase on our 2023-2024 figure (£7489).
Structure Governance and Management
Staffing
No changes
Future Plans
We will continue to explore ways to support Fundacion El Abrigo, including preparing to support Fundacion El Abrigo in the purchase of a church building that they currently rent, should an opportunity arise. A trip is planned in 2026 to gain a better understanding of the work in Cali and how our support may be better directed.