Charities' Financial Transparency to be Discussed

28 August 2009

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For immediate release

Charities Financial Transparency to be Discussed in Open Forum

Michael Gousmett, formerly General Manager of the Pacific Leprosy Foundation and current Lecturer of Accounting & Taxation at the University of Canterbury, will speak on the importance of transparency of charitable trusts at a free breakfast in The Velvet Room, Christchurch Casino on Thursday, 3 September from 7:30am – 8:30am.

Organised by Ronald McDonald House Island at the initiative of Sharon Lingham, CEO of Crown Limousines, the event is intended as an open forum for charities and donors alike. “With the advent of the Charities Act 2005, the bar for charity accountability and transparency has been raised significantly,” says Michael Gousmett. “Public and media scrutiny of the activities of charities has become a reality.

Charities that fail to respond to questions about their finances, activities, and charitable purposes, will risk of the loss of income from donors and funders, both philanthropic and government. The time has come for charities to review how they report their activities, and what they report."

Sharon Lingham has a reputation of supporting a large number of local charities and welcomes the discussion. “Following our disappointment with two different charities in a matter of weeks, I look forward to Michael Gousmett's views about how to hold charities accountable and what donors and media need to know to authenticate the validity of a charity's activities. Worthwhile charities should not be victimised because of the actions of a few.”

The breakfast is free and numbers are limited. Reservations are essential - to book, contact Lydia Hemingway, Fundraising Manager before 2 September on ph 03 377 3311 ext 701 or email lydia@rmhsi.org.nz.
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