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2023 has been a very busy year for the Charity, and
I am pleased to report that we have overcome all of
the challenges we faced when several key Trustees left us
last year and earlier this year.

Sadly; our President Tim Duggan also decided to step down after just a short spell
due to ongoing health issues; but we are incredibly lucky to welcome our former
Chair Jan Reynolds MBE as our new President. We also invited former Vice Chair
Jess Harvey JP to sit as Vice President which she willingly accepted.

We formed a whole new Appeals team which is being temporarily headed by
myself until the new financial year in Feb ’24, which is when our newest Trustee
Rebecca (Becky) Bater will become our new Head of Appeals; ably assisted by Gill
Brooks.

Becky has already introduced several new ideas not least the new “financial info”
questions for applicants to complete when applying for our help – this is a key tool
to us ensuring applicants meet our qualifying criteria.

Last Christmas’ fundraiser at the Marriott Royal Hotel saw our biggest ever event
in terms of the money we raised – those that donated gifts, and attended the
event, helped us raise a staggering £21,370 – the generosity of local businesses
and individuals in Bristol never ceases to amaze me.

In 2022/23 we managed to raise a total £71,578 and spent £66,713 of that money
was directly spent on helping the children we are here to serve. On top of that, we
also spent £20,500 from our reserves to purchase the mini-bus for BHES School.

At the time this Newsletter went to print we have raised £52,500 and so far spent
£58,400

We have helped over 220 children so far this year, and during December that
figure usually rises by another 25%

We distributed over 1000 gifts to more than 300 children (50+ families) last
Christmas – this is such a vital part of the work we do – spreading a little joy to
children at the most Christian time of year brings it’s own rewards; which is why
we all do this voluntarily. Our team is completely dedicated to assisting those less
fortunate than ourselves – you will read some excerpts from messages we have
received later in this newsletter.

As you will all no doubt be aware, the cost-of-living crisis is hitting everyone; but
none more so than for those who are on extremely low incomes.