Home News

Fundraising pressure ongoing as the

need continues

Recent media reportage on India echoes our observation that the growth in the national economy not only bypasses poor rural areas, such as Khandel, but also exacerbates the hardship there.  This is because locals are hit by the effects of the inflation that accompanies growth, without enjoying any of the benefits, such as job opportunities.  This makes the work of Khandel light even more important.

The work that the Charity funds and the sphere of activity that it embraces is a huge leap from the vision of Trustees eight years ago;  then, the aims were modestly set at funding the provision of a couple of health workers, albeit that this represented a worthwhile and important goal.  Since then, conditions locally have worsened considerably, while support for Khandel light has gone from strength to strength, allowing the scope of the work to expand and the Charity to be responsive to changing need.

Because Khandel light continues to be run by ten volunteer Trustees with a huge “backroom” network of people providing their services free, it generates negligible administrative expenses, allowing almost all the money raised to go directly to where it is needed.  You may be interested to know that in the past twelve months, a staggering £50,000 has been sent to this community, giving hope, through long-term projects, to thousands of villagers born into a hostile environment so different from our own.

As a result of this spending, the Charity now holds much lower reserves than in the past.  Please be assured then that Khandel light needs your help, your talents and your imagination more than ever. This newsletter is full of examples demonstrating that the Khandel light model works; supporters, which include individuals, schools, other organisations and businesses, sharing their time, talent and resources to help another community DIRECTLY.

Corporate sponsorship

Trustees of Khandel light are acutely aware of the commitment that supporters have shown the Charity, especially given the increasing need and the expansion of the work there.  As you know, the programmes of work are aimed at the long term.  Trustees would like to extend work further; the medical camps highlights important unfulfilled health needs, where modest funding would make a huge difference, and Khandel light also remains determined to increase the accessibility of education, crucial to effecting long-term change.  Given increased funding, the Charity would also wish to step up the basic programmes – such as the building of water houses, latrines and basic homes.

With the growth in companies acknowledging Corporate Social Responsibility, many people living in our community may be in a position to ask their employers to provide some support for Khandel light; some may be trustees of trust funds where the Charity fulfils their ideals.  If you fall into either of these categories, we would love to hear from you.  Remember, the money goes directly to the community that it benefits.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Mayoral fundraising year draws to a close

As Trudy Bowen approaches the end of her year in office as Mayor of Wolverhampton, Trustees offer their heartfelt thanks for all the hard work in fundraising that has taken place, for which Khandel light will be the major beneficiary.  The highlight of the year – a Grand Ball – approaches and promises to be a very special evening and grand finale.

We are also grateful to the YMCA in Wolverhampton, who recently organised a very successful sponsored walk for Khandel light.

SCHOOLS

Fundraisers of the future

Thank you Newport Free Grammar School who made a very generous donation from their highly successful Charities week.  Well done to all who were involved!

EVENTS

Practice makes perfect

Trustees would like to extend their thanks to Ros Holbrow, her talented pupils and their sponsors for the recent concert they staged for Khandel light.  Pupils were sponsored to practice on their musical instruments by their generous families and friends. The result was a delightful musical afternoon, with Bundle and Tony Weston kindly providing the venue, and our community in Khandel benefiting.  Warm thanks to all!

Quiz Night at the Red Cow, Chrishall

Highly enjoyable, fundraising quiz nights have become a regular feature at the Red Cow in Chrishall, and in April, the proceeds will go to Khandel light.  Thank you to everybody concerned with organising and supporting the evening.

Barkway Street Market…

This year’s Street Market will be on Saturday 10th May.  As always, the event will provide something for everyone in the family.   Khandel light will once more have its stand of goodies, and Trustees very much look forward to meeting as many of you there as possible.

Sponsorship totals rise again

Sponsorship funds have continued to come in for Bridget Gough’s marathon run last year, and also Kevin and Bernie Esplins’ incredible cycle ride through the Dolomites (which also raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society).  Thank you for making these amazing feats so worthwhile for these adventurers!

And finally

Many more of you who are UK tax payers have signed up to Gift Aid.  Through this scheme, the Government refunds the equivalent of basic rate tax paid on the value of donations, directly to the Charity.  This increases the value of your donation at no extra cost to you, and the cumulative impact of Gift Aid now represents a significant annual receipt for Khandel light, making your money work even harder!  Please contact a Trustee if you would like to become a regular donor, and/or complete a Gift Aid form.

> back to top