Half Year Financial Report Apr-Sep 24

Half Year Financial Report:  April – Sep 24

David Thrower (Treasurer)

A summary of the activity for the half year to Sep 24.

INCOME £33,998

At the end of March 24 our funds had run dry, to the extent that if money was not forthcoming we would need to closedown SWU.  We approached SBC with a proposal for an amount of £30,000 and how this money would be used to benefit the Ukrainian community throughout the year. This included “business as usual” work: website, email, community BBQ’s, trips etc. along with a benefits case for project such as UkraineFest and the Allotment.  We were thrilled that this was accepted.

We received almost £4,000 from public and vendor donations during the events held.  Donations are becoming harder to gather as the visibility of the war reduces, eclipsed by other horrors.  Thus, we will become more reliant on grants from SBC and donations from corporate bodies.

We are very grateful to all those who gave us money to keep the projects running.

OUTGOINGS

Our total spend for the half year was £24,262

Running costs £428

The bulk of the running costs are for software licences to run: the website; Cloud storage, invoicing, translation and email service.   We reduced the costs by reducing the software subscriptions.

All SWU officials and helpers are volunteers and are unpaid giving their time and usually transport, for free.

UkraineFest £17,724 (£4,598)

UkraineFest was a much bigger event this year.  Planned over 5 months rather than 6 weeks. Entertainment was provided throughout the day.  There were more acts, exhibits and activities.  As a result more tents, stalls, decoration and materials were required, as well are more facilities; tables, chairs, toilets etc.  We also spent more on security and first aid provision as the event would attract more people at a time of riots around immigration.  A project manager was contracted part time to plan and deliver the event, due to the complexity and risk involved.  Thankfully the event was very successful and without incident.

Choir £465

The choir continues to practice weekly and has performed at a number of events.

Allotment £984

The allotment is now well established and full of vegetables. It’s managed by a number of families that have a section each. 

Coffee in Action £48

This is an expense from last financial year, paid in April.

Art & Craft £944

Costs for tuition and materials.

Other Events - £3,002

Throughout the year we have put on a number of community events for social purposes or for fund raising. These included BBQ’s, a dance & fashion show, art & craft classes and coach trips to cities.

Donations out to Ukraine - £618

All donations came from fundraising events organised by our Ukrainian Committee members who want to help those back home. Donations were made to small charities in Ukraine that were providing humanitarian aid:

·      Nominated by N Savonina; Sylni Voleyu (Strong Volition), providing food, clothing and medical care -  £325.15

·      Nominated by O Silaieva; Provistok.org, who supply protection, medical equipment and child care to orphans  - £293

Plans for the Oct-Mar 25

The ongoing activities will continue:  Art & Craft, Choir, Allotment. 

The Spirit of Resistance event is planned foe 12th October.

Other activities under consideration are:

·      Echos of home Photo book

·      Women’s Mental Health Day

·      Swimming event

·      Christmas

We are also committed to improving our communications to the community.  So, in addition to this interim report you should see more about how we operate.

If you have any questions or suggestions please send them to team@ukraineswindon.com

David Thrower

Treasurer