4-7 Issue 3 News:issue 3 23/04/2009 09:17 Page 5
Faith, hope & charity
E
conomic hardship can wreck
family life, so a global
recession may increase the
demand for Mothers’ Union’s
work. But how will Mothers’
Union respond when the
economic downturn has also hit
the charity’s finances?
Evangeline Price
Help boost
Factors which have hit Mothers’ Union’s funding include:
• The value of investments has fallen by £3/4 million
• Comic Relief funding of around £170,000 has ended
income
• Income from the Guest Rooms has stopped Each year MU Enterprises Ltd
• Major building work to create more conference facilities to raises much needed funds to
let at Mary Sumner House cost around £350,000 help support Mothers’ Union
• The continuing decline in UK membership means projects around the world. To
subscription income is lower find out how this is achieved,
• Expenses such as heating and lighting have increased and how your members can
help to boost this income even
Faith and wise financial planning are crucial, Evangeline Price, further, invite one of the MU
Head of Finance and Central Services, told the Worldwide Enterprises Board directors to
Council meeting earlier this year. ‘Faith plays a pivotal part in give a presentation at a time
our work. It is through our faith we support all areas of our and venue to suit you. Contact
work,’ she said, adding that, ‘Unlike many other charities, we Coleen Starkey at Mary Sumner
are not over committed. We own our own property and we House to find out more. T: 020
still have good reserves.’ 7222 5533. E: coleen.starkey@
themothersunion.org
As well as looking for cost-saving measures and new sources
of income, Evangeline said that membership needs to Shop and
increase so the work we have already started can continue: raise funds
‘We rely heavily on our membership for our support, through Shop online and raise money
prayer and fellowship, monetary giving and volunteer for Mothers’ Union at the
support.’ same time. Several major
retailers including
Highlighting the need to promote Mothers’ Union she added, Mothercare, M&S, Thorntons,
‘People still give to charity even during difficult financial times Waterstones and HMV will
but they do scrutinize more carefully. Research shows that donate between 5% and 12%
people tend to give if they can relate to a specific charity, or if to Mothers’ Union when you
they are aware of someone who has benefited through a make a purchase online. Start
specific charity. Therefore we must promote Mothers’ Union shopping at:
and make sure we tell others of our wonderful organisation.’ www.buy.at/mothersunion
familiesworldwide – Issue 3.09 5
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