19/05/2023
Dear all,
I trust this finds you well.
I’ve been asked to write to you on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Global Compassion.
Thank you to those who have given faithful financial support, it’s your generosity that enables us to help so many in severe circumstances. This includes Hope House, run by Pastor Christopher in Bangladesh. You’ve helped rescue, feed, accommodate, care for, and educate more than 70 boys and girls, you have changed lives.
You may not know that we are only one of two supporters of Hope House. Every pound we receive makes a difference and each month we forward them yours and the donations of others which includes The Byrne Family Foundation. I make this comment for a very important reason which I will come back to.
Since Global Compassion started in 1997, its main support has come from members of INC Churches. However, with the fragmentation of INC over recent years our donor base has sadly dwindled. To tackle this, we have tried hard to expand our donor base. This has proved to be much more challenging than expected. Therefore, after much prayerful consideration, the trustees concluded that Global Compassion has run its course and have decided to wind up the charity. As trustee David Harland recorded in the minutes of a recent meeting:
“Clearly there was considerable sadness at this decision, but it was unanimously agreed that this is the right way forward. The sadness was very much tempered by reflection on the remarkable work that GC has done over the years in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Egypt, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and other parts of the world by way of provision of food, shelter, security, education, healthcare and in many other ways.”
Our overwhelming concern is the continued funding of Hope House and I’m delighted to inform you we have a plan to continue this precious work. Two of our existing trustees are also trustees of The Byrne Family Foundation. David Harland and Kevin Byrne have agreed to pick up the mantle and take on this heavy responsibility. There has always been an overlap of the two charities which is fantastic as the transaction should be smooth and to help this transaction, I have agreed to remain involved for a time.
It is incredibly important for the wellbeing of the children and the continuation of Hope House that the current level of giving remains, so we humbly ask you to continue your support by transferring your monthly standing order to the Byrne Family Foundation who promise every penny will reach the children.
Their bank details are as follow:
Byrne Family Foundation
Sort code: 20 65 20
Acc. No: 13223841
Again, we thank you for your partnership, the children you have supported are so thankful to God and to you for your generosity. I intend in the coming weeks to call you personally to thank you.
Warmest regards,
Rob Smillie
Trustee.
