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On 31st December 2007, the Fund was paying rental contributions for 465 needy registered-blind people throughout the United Kingdom, and the installation charge for 12 new clients.
Rental contributions paid to each of our clients was increased in October to £25.00 per quarter. The charity pays 100% of the cost of installing a telephone line if necessary for a new client, including one living in their own room in a Care Home.
Telephones for the Blind Fund would not be able to provide this support without the unstinting administration work carried out by the Trustees, all of whom give their services on a voluntary basis, and work from their own homes. We are determined to maintain the efficient level of service we have given to our clients in the past.
Total income during 2007 was £46,147 and total expenditure was £44,998. The cost of providing the telephone service was £41,978 (£43,619 in 2006). A small decrease in client numbers and the consequent decrease in expenditure led to a small surplus for the year of £1,641 (£11,106 in 2006). The drop in donations and legacies continued during the year.
The value of our reserve of investment funds, managed by our Fund Manager, decreased by £12,439 (£2006 surplus £30,857). The Trustees’ investment policy is to achieve reasonable growth and modest income whilst taking minimal risk.
Although income just exceeded expenditure last year, we are not in a position to increase further our payments to existing clients, or to consider offering help to all those on low income who continue to apply for support. We need to increase our funds if we are to offer as good a service in the future as we have done in the past. Once a commitment is made to help a client, that help is maintained until it is no longer needed. Our contribution enables many to live independently in their own homes.
Raising funds for current expenditure is therefore our top priority, and any donation large or small, is gratefully received.
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