Raleigh International announces closure with immediate effect
Melanie May | 23 May 2022 | News
Raleigh International announced its immediate closure late last week, blaming the combination of reduced funding and foreign aid, and the legacy of two years of delayed or cancelled programmes, as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic and its associated overseas travel restrictions.
In a statement posted on its website, the charity says that it has ceased operating as of Thursday 19 May, having been advised that it is insolvent. Apart from the statement, the rest of the site has been taken out of operation, as have its social media accounts.
It has now entered into Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation, with all employees made redundant and future expeditions cancelled. The charity’s Trustees have appointed creditors Carter Backer Winter LLP, and they are in the process of writing to all stakeholders of the charity regarding the liquidation procedure and steps that should be followed.
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In the statement, Raleigh International says:
“Despite our team’s intensive fundraising efforts, continuous hard work and ongoing cost-saving measures in the face of increased economic pressures, we have been advised that the charity is insolvent.
“Regrettably, the combination of dramatically reduced funding and foreign aid, plus the legacy of two years of delayed or cancelled programmes, due to the Covid-19 global pandemic and its associated overseas travel restrictions, have had an irreversible impact.
“The charity’s Trustees have appointed Carter Backer Winter LLP to assist as we enter into Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation, with all employees made redundant and future expeditions cancelled.
“We appreciate this news will come as a devastating blow to our volunteers and supporters. The team at Raleigh International are extremely proud of the positive impact we have made over the years to help communities across the world and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone – from volunteers and staff to communities, project partners and funders – who have supported our work.”
Raleigh International Trust is inclusive of Raleigh Nepal and Raleigh Nicaragua, however Raleigh Tanzania and Raleigh Costa Rica have independent status, and the future viability of them operating without Raleigh International Trust is being explored.
All volunteers and volunteer managers will be contacted within the coming days and weeks, and the charity is exploring the possibility of working with its partners to continue its Re:Green programme in Scotland this summer.
Since 1978 the charity has placed over 55,000 young people from over 100 countries in its international sustainable development programmes.
It has provided an email address for any queries regarding the liquidation process: ra*****@cb*.uk.
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.