Chartered Accountants Ireland Benevolent Association Chairman’s Message to Members December 2011
2012 is fast approaching and, unfortunately, we continue walking a financial tightrope, in doing our best to respond in some way to applicants in trouble. With our limited resources we had to cut back on grants during 2011, and suspended accepting new and needy cases in the early half of the year.
Our reserve fund represents approximately 8 months assistance and we have moved this into cash to meet additional demands as they arise. We realise that the economic downturn, and world disaster relief, have created a great deal of pressure on the charitable impulses of many members. Undoubtedly this has affected their ability to respond to our appeals as we had hoped. There are so many worthy causes calling for and deserving support. However, for the board of the Benevolent Association, it is extremely difficult to turn away from members and their families when tragedy, illness, and death cause desperation and real need. Please read letters of thanks, on our Webpage, to help in this understanding (www.charteredaccountants.ie/ba).
86% of our income comes from individual members believing that it is essential that we continue our work. No doubt they will be supporting many causes, but keeping us in mind also.
Members should be aware that through the support of Council, all our administrative costs are covered by Chartered Accountants Ireland. 100% of our donation income goes out in grants to fellow members and/or their dependents.
There are many factors which will threaten our viability in 2012, so we have decided to increase the “suggested” donations to €96 or Stg£72. These equate to €8.00 and Stg£6.00 if you were to give by monthly standing order.
To those who helped us in 2011, thank you. To other members, if at all possible, please become a donor.
DONATE NOW.
And, repeating our message from last year:
- Bear in mind for business paid fees, your employers are unlikely to make your donation.
- For UK members we claim the tax back under Gift Aid where appropriate.
- In the ROI, remember the tax advantage obtainable for donations of €250 or more per annum.
- Also, please, in your will and testament, remember the Chartered Accountants Ireland Benevolent Association.
Fellow members, again, thank you for your continued support.
May I wish you a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year, and please remember that your support makes it so for many of our beneficiaries.
Alan Gibson,
Chairman.
Download the Chairman’s message.