 As the current financial year draws to a close, I once again have the task of writing my report and it is with immense pride that I extend a warm welcome to Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, who has agreed to become Patron of the Fund. From a personal point of view, this year is perhaps more significant than previous ones as in 2010 I will have been a trustee of The London Taxidrivers' Fund for Underprivileged Children for 25 years, serving as Hon Treasurer for 10 years and then Hon Chairman for three terms of office - 1999 to 2001 and 2004 to the Views on life as seen through the eyes of David Kupler (Y74) at… KUPKAKE’S Halloween in Camden When it's Halloween in Camden, The bars are overflowing, Blood make-up on white faces, They celebrate with relish, When the dawn is breaking, Kopyright Kupkake 2010 |
As LTFUC Chairman, DaC’s David Lessman writes his annual Chairman’s Report... LTFUC 2010 Chairman’s Report |
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end of this financial
year. No words can express the satisfaction derived from being part
of such a worthy and well known trade organisation and I thank my
fellow trustees, their wives and partners most sincerely for their
loyal and unstinting support. Sadly during the year Barry Levine, a
well respected past member of the committee, passed away and on
behalf of the committee I send condolences to his wife Annette and
his family, as I do to all those who have suffered a loss. Taking into account present world and domestic financial situations, all of which affect London's licensed taxi trade in some way, I’m delighted to report that generated income has maintained last year's level. The total amount spent on charitable activities, grants and other costs did increase by about 10%, but nevertheless our reserves are in good shape. This is due not only to the kindness and generosity of our numerous benefactors, but to many of those London taxi drivers who freely give their time when taking part in outings for which the LTFUC is so well known. In previous reports I have asked drivers to please think about giving up just one day in the year and although it was gratifying to see new drivers this year, it would be even better to see more in the future. The events organised by the LTFUC or those in which the Fund participated during the year, all met with the same success, giving pleasure and excitement to many hundreds of disadvantaged children. The annual party at the Grosvenor House, the regular summer outing to Southend-on-Sea and this year's trip to Woburn Safari Park in May were complemented by a number of events to which the Fund was invited. These included a theatre visit to see Sister Act, the Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival and another Fun Day at Covent Garden. I was also joined by Hon Secretary Malcolm Shaffron at the Hilton Foundation Round the World |
Bike Ride where we
helped to raise funds. The LTFUC was also invited to undertake a
number of speaking engagements during the year, ably conducted by
Malcolm and Press Officer Ray Levy, who were delighted to
make other organisations aware of the Fund's activities. As on so
many previous occasions, several committee members attended the
barbeque / prize-giving at the Giving Kids a Break Summer Camp
for deserving children from East London. I was also honoured to
represent the LTFUC as a guest among distinguished company at a
Buckingham Palace Garden Party, accompanied by Ray Levy and our
wives. Reports on all these events can be found in much greater
detail on www.ltfuc.org.uk and I’d like to thank Maureen
Levy for her diligence in ensuring this website is continually
updated and well-maintained. During the course of the year, many appeals for funding were received and as much as the LTFUC would like to support them all, it is just not possible. Among the successful were Woodfield School - granted £5,000 in the form of sports equipment and dependants of taxi drivers unable to provide through death or injury, who received £3,500. I am very proud of the fact that yet again general administration costs have been kept to below 2%, due in no small part to Hon Treasurer Sim Yiannikaris, who has reluctantly decided to relinquish this post. I thank him for his input, wish him and his family well. Although I was looking forward to joining the ‘back benches’, I have undertaken the Treasurer’s role for the next 12 months ahead of trustee Lilian Julier accepting the position. I also take this opportunity to wish my successor good luck for the next 3 years and most importantly, to thank my wife Sandra for her welcome support over the last 25 years. LTFUC Honorary Chairman, David S. Lessman (D19) |
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