Despite the financial challenges that the charity sector is facing due to the ongoing cost of living and increases in charity running costs, we have had another very successful year at It’s Good 2 Give. Our mission to provide practical, emotional and mental health support has been our priority over the past year and I am pleased to report that we have made a huge impact in the lives of many of the young cancer patients and their families that we are privileged to support.
In 2022, we committed to fund the positions of 4 psychologists in Scotland - 2 at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital and 2 at The Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. During the past year, this provision has proven to be a very welcome and vital addition to support young people and their families during their cancer journey. Our commitment has not stopped at funding the roles we have also provided funding for training and resources for the team, such as sleep kits as they recognise the importance of good sleep and mental well-being. We are pleased to be able to provide ad hoc funding should there be a further need for additional resources to support these roles.
During this financial year we were able to welcome 32 families to the Ripple Retreat. The feedback that we receive from families is so positive and instils the need for us to continue to fundraise so that we can provide short stays for families at no cost to them in the future. The retreat does now require regular maintenance to ensure it meets the minimum standard for health and safety but also so we can ensure a visit for families that exceeds their expectations in terms of comfort and practicality.
Below is just some of the feedback we receive from families after their visit:
“The Ripple Retreat is the gold at the end of the rainbow; it is magical”
“This was the break that our family needed, we will be forever grateful for this amazing experience”
“Had the best time having fun on the flying fox and the swing and all of the other things to do both in the house and garden. We leave here feeling rested and loved - thank you”
We are extremely grateful to the various trusts and foundations who have supported us throughout the year. Grants and significant donations were awarded from The Elizabeth Frankland Foundation, Foundation Scotland, Turcan Connell, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, Tides Foundation, Lodge Ben Ledi Rotary, STV Appeal, Unum, Caron Keating Foundation and Patrick Mulholland Trust.
Our corporate supporters and Charity of the Year partners have once again provided excellent support, for which we are extremely grateful. In particular, the support shown to us by KDMedia through the Scottish Property Awards, Scottish Home Awards and Scottish Legal awards is most appreciated. Additionally, our partnership with Edinburgh Rugby has proven to be hugely beneficial in both raising awareness and funds. We are thankful to the volunteer families, the Markhams and the Mackenzies, who have established and nurtured this relationship.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend both my and fellow trustee’s deepest appreciation to our co-founder, Lynne, who has recently retired from her role. Lynne and Ian's vision and passion have been the driving force behind the success of Its Good 2 Give since the start and we will be forever grateful for their commitment and tireless efforts. We would like to wish Lynne, Ian and dog Louie as much happiness in the future that she has brought to the Charity over the years.
I am delighted that we are able to continue to support families during the toughest of journeys. The feedback we receive from young cancer patients and their families is a true testament of the commitment and passion our team, volunteers, and trustees, have given to It’s Good 2 Give throughout the year.
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
The charity has two primary objectives:
the care and wellbeing of young people with cancer and their families;
the provision of accommodation for care and respite for young people with cancer and their families (“the Ripple Retreat”).
Fundraising activities to date have secured significant funds. The day-to-day support of young patients has consisted of the provision of nutritional snacks and drinks in both Glasgow and Edinburgh oncology wards together with funding of items, both functional and fun, to make patients’ lives a little brighter.
Ripple Retreat
This year at Ripple Retreat, we provided families facing childhood cancer with much-needed respite from the challenges of their journeys. Excluding our brief maintenance closure in January and February, the Retreat remained a haven for families seeking solace and connection amidst the storm.
The impact of Ripple Retreat is evident in the heartfelt responses we receive from families. Prior to arrival, families participate in a video call to answer questions and receive a warm welcome. Upon arrival, our amazing volunteers greet each family and provide a personalised tour, ensuring a comfortable and informed start to their stay.
We are fortunate to maintain strong relationships with local businesses in Callander. Thanks to their generosity, families can enjoy complimentary experiences like ziplining at Go Ape, exploring Blair Drummond Safari Park, sailing with the Loch Venachar Sailing Club, cycling with Wheels Cycle Hire, and putting their skills to the test at Callander mini golf. Additionally, with the ongoing support of the Hugh Fraser Foundation, we continue to provide each family with a £100 supermarket voucher to help with essential expenses during their stay.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Ripple Retreat. From welcoming families with open arms to tending the beautiful gardens and supporting our fundraising events, their dedication is invaluable. This year, our incredible volunteers donated an impressive 5,250 hours to It's Good 2 Give. We express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of them.
Fundraising Events
This year marked the final Blingo and Ball events organised by our co-founder Lynne. This was a resounding success, raising significant funds and awareness. We were also thrilled with the Glasgow Blingo event organised by Trustee Rosemary and Volunteer Kirsty Fazzi. Our Young Ambassadors, led by our Volunteer Managers, also hosted a successful Spring Lunch. A heartfelt thank you goes to our Founding Patrons, Grant Stott and Tonya Macari, for generously hosting many of these events.
Whilst the Trustees did not set a specific fundraising target for the year, they are satisfied that the amount raised this financial year is commensurate with the amount we were able to realistically raise during continued periods of uncertainty. We diversified our income applying for additional funding through grants and trust funds, and identified new opportunities to increase our regular income, like making a monthly donation through Friends of It’s good 2 give.
We are all delighted that the four psychology posts we fund in central Scotland are all filled. We are equally delighted that they have all made a big difference in a short period of time – in addition to working with patients on a one-to-one basis they are creating projects that will help more young cancer patients.
The Charity recorded a deficit for the year of £185,451 (2023 - £194,646) on total income of £493,083 (2023 - £367,730). Income continues to be delivered through a mix of donations, volunteer and trustee organised fundraising events and the intention is for this successful mix to continue. In addition, increasing time has being spent to widen the donor base and to identify new funding sources.
At the year end the Charity held unrestricted reserves of £2,111,758 (2023 - £2,297,209).
It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to at least one year's expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
While The Ripple Retreat is valued at £1,196,230 as at 31 March 2024, it cannot be sold.
Trusts and Foundations
Our Trusts and Funds Manager has applied for funding throughout the year and identified new opportunities for support from companies. We are grateful for all grants received during this financial year. Any restricted funding received is noted in the accounts.
Risk Assessment
The trustees are satisfied that there are systems are in place to mitigate risk. This includes an organisational risk register, H&S and Fire risk assessments, volunteer and event risk assessments.
We will continue to work closely with the psychology teams, nursing staff and social work teams to find additional ways to support young cancer patients and their families.
We will continue to offer short breaks at the Ripple Retreat for families of young cancer patients, at no cost to themselves.
Our focus will continue to be on the mental and physical wellbeing of the family as a whole.
Our partnerships with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen hospitals continue to thrive. The team will continue to work closely with nursing staff and social work teams to identify new and ad hoc ways for us to support young cancer patients.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Lynne McNicoll OBE (resigned Chair 1 July 2024)
Fiona Bruce
Rosemary Calder
Professor Paul Chapman (resigned 15 November 2023
Louise Caithness (appointed Chair 17 July 2023)
Tabitha Lawson
Professor Donna-Jean O'Boyle (resigned 29 July 2024)
Donald Robertson
Dr David Rowney (resigned 22 August 2023)
Marlyn Minto (appointed 12 March 2024)
Secretary Thomas Speirs
Charity Number (Scotland) SC041416
Company Number SC376977
Registered Office Ripple Retreat
Invertrossachs Road
Callander
FK17 8HG
Independent Examiner Thomson Cooper Accountants
22 Stafford Street
Edinburgh
EH3 7BD
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The inaugural appointment of trustees was achieved through personal recommendations. The skills of the appointees cover a wide spectrum and include banking, marketing, health care, business, project management, law and fundraising gained from experience in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The strategic direction of the charity is determined by the board of trustees which meets three to four times a year. The charity does not employ any staff. Day to day management is exercised through individual trustees who have delegated authority and report through the director who has Fundraising responsibility. The trustees accepted their appointments in the knowledge that their participation excluded remuneration or personal expenses.
Patrons
Grant Stott
Lorraine Kelly CBE
Tonya Macari
Professor Angela Thomas OBE
Gavin Hastings OBE
Administration
Lynne McNicoll OBE - Co-Founder
Carla Kerr - Administration support
Jane Lothian - Volunteer Manager and Young Ambassador support
Sarah Penny - Administration support for Volunteers, Ripple Retreat, and Events
Angela Preston - Trusts and Funding, Strategic Support
Michelle Markham – Administration support
Susan Milligan – Ripple Retreat Manager
Gillian Baldwin – Ripple Retreat Maintenance
Volunteers
75
Partnerships
We have longstanding and ongoing partnerships with Timberbush Tours, ArtFe, Zest Skin Spa, KDMedia, Tangram, Fusion Meetings and Events, Dine Restaurant, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh Rugby and Balanced Physiotherapy.
Our partnership with the Scottish Home, Property and Legal Awards through KDMedia continues and provides incredible opportunities for networking and fundraising.
All our partnerships provide us with different benefits. Some are financial, some support us with their time or skills or products that we can use as prizes at events.
We look forward to another year of partnering with them.
The trustees, who are also the directors of It's Good 2 Give! for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 22.
The charity’s trustees, who are also the directors of It's Good 2 Give! for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investments (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the financial statements as required under section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeks explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the financial statements.
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and
to prepare financial statements which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
designated
Charitable activities
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
In the preceding year all amounts related to unrestricted funds.
designated
Charitable activities
It's Good 2 Give! is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Scotland. The registered office is Ripple Retreat, Invertrossachs Road, Callander, FK17 8HG.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association , the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. The trustees have considered a period of 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred.
Charitable costs included those incurred in the furtherance of the charity's objectives.
Governance costs include those incurred in governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Support costs included central functions and have been allocated to the charitable activity on a basis consistent with their use.
Volunteers play an important part in the operations of the charity. However, as there is no reliable way of measuring the value of the contribution of volunteers in financial terms, no value has been assigned to these contributions in the financial statements.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Grants Received
Charitable activities
Fundraising Charitable Activities
Merchandise
Hospital Support
Ripple Retreat
Other charitable activities
Psychology Posts
Hospital Support
Postage and stationery
Telephone and IT Costs
Travel expenses
Consultancy fees
Bank charges
Retreat
Donations
Insurance
Miscellaneous
Psychology Posts Payments
Hospital Support
Ripple Retreat
Other charitable activities
Psychology Posts
Hospital Support
Postage and stationery
Telephone and IT Costs
Travel expenses
Consultancy fees
Bank charges
Retreat
Donations
Insurance
Miscellaneous
Psychology Posts Payments
Independent Exam Fee
Governance costs include audit fees of £nil (2023: £6,540).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
In 2016, construction began on the Ripple Retreat. The land which the Ripple Retreat sits on was donated to the charity for the specific purpose of building the Ripple Retreat. Due to the location of the land, it is not economical for the charity to obtain a valuation. Therefore, the land is not shown in the Fixed Assets note above.
In 2023, a further section of land was purchased by the charity for £65,000.
Deferred income relates to income for events that will occur after 31 March 2024.
Turcan Connell - Glasgow - Project to support Glasgow families
Unum European Holding Company Limited - For the purpose of funding the parent & child days & Mum's days.
The Tides Foundation - For the purpose to cover the Ripple Retreat Manager Costs
The Neighbourly Foundation - Funding for the purpose of painting the Ripple Retreat
These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities made up as follows:
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Incoming resources
Resources expended
During 2023, the charity entered into a Service Level Agreement for 5 years with the NHS to fund 3 psychologists posts (a Clinical Psychologist, an assistant Psychologist and a Business Support Administrator) in Glasgow and 2 psychologists posts (a Clinical Psychologist and an assistant Psychologist) in Edinburgh. The total cost of this over the 5 years is £919,531.
These posts are to provide and develop a specialist psychology service within the Paediatric Haematology/ Oncology Service within the hospitals.
During the financial year a payments totalling £460 (2023 - £334) was made to L McNicoll in respect of reimbursement for expenses paid.