British Malayali Charity Foundation holds AGM and re-elects Sabu Sebastian as Chairman; Major decisions announced
AGM commences with reflection and welcome speech: The annual general meeting (AGM) of the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) took place on December 21, 2024, at The Tiffin Box in Coventry. The meeting began at 11am with a silent prayer, followed by a warm welcome speech by chairman Sabu Sebastian. Four members joined the meeting online via Google Meet to ensure maximum participation.
Founding Chairman Shajan Skariah’s address: Mr. Shajan Skariah, the founding chairman and advisory committee member, travelled from India to attend the AGM. In his felicitation speech, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support extended to the foundation.
Annual report and accounts review
Secretary’s annual report: Secretary Biji Jose presented the detailed annual working report for the period from December 16, 2023, to December 20, 2024. The report highlighted 17 appeals conducted during this time, with information about the beneficiaries. The AGM approved the report with support from Shaji Lukose and seconded by Prasanna shine.
Treasurer’s financial report: treasurer Boney Chandey reviewed the financial accounts, revealing a collection of £255,649.12 and a distribution of £300,422.81 in 2024. The foundation’s total distribution surpassed £1.4 million in collaboration with other charities in India. The accounts were approved by the AGM, supported by George Mathew and seconded by Simon Jacob.
Key decisions for 2025
the AGM approved several significant initiatives for the coming year:
1. Appointing Shaji Lukose as the HMRC-authorized trustee.
2. Switching the foundation’s bank account from HSBC if needed, with authorization to maintain two accounts simultaneously.
3. Organizing a charity award event in March 2025.
4. Planning a Snowdonia peak challenge event.
5. Establishing a funding cap for beneficiaries based on appeal requirements.
Election of trustees and office bearers
The AGM also conducted the annual election, appointing new office bearers and trustees while bidding farewell to outgoing members:
New Office Bearers and Trustees
Chairman: Sabu Sebastian (Manchester)
Vice Chair: Prasanna Shine (Bath)
Treasurer: Boney Chandey (Leicester)
Incoming Secretary: Manoj Mathew (Stoke on Trent)
Trustees: Francis Antony (Telford)
Augustine M.V (London)
Shinu Clare Mathews (Bolton)
George Mathew (Leicester)
Shaji Lukose (Belfast)
Resmi Prakash (Chelmsford)
Afsal Ali Arunhipurathu (Croydon)
Greeshma Francis (Derby, with secretarial duties)
Bindu Kalaraj (Peterborough, with account responsibilities)
Outgoing Trustees
Jimmy George (London)
Jagdees Nair (Birmingham)
Siby Mathew (Southampton)
Jimmy George will continue as general convenor of the advisory committee. Closing remarks and vote of thanks
The meeting concluded at 2pm with a vote of thanks by treasurer Boney Chandey.