Almost four years to the day since Pass it On began helping the homeless, our campaign has been to become a registered charity. The UK Charity Commission approved our application in October 2020 and we’ve been working flat out since then to prepare for our winter distributions.

Why has Pass It On become a registered charity?

‘Becoming a fully-fledged charity will help us to expand the reach of our important work,’ says Mike Makinson, Chair of the Pass It On trustees. ‘We have plans to create a wider network of supporters and partner organisations, and the new status gives us the structure and governance to do that even more professionally.’

But we won’t be losing the enthusiasm and can-do approach, says Mike. ‘Making a tangible difference and giving immediate support to people in need is a signature quality of Pass It On – we don’t want to lose that connection and closeness between our volunteers and those we help.’

We’ll also be keeping our close connection to our corporate partners. Jonathan Bunting, CEO of Smiths News plc and original founder of the Pass It On campaign has joined the trustees. Mike commented, ‘I’m delighted that Jonathan is part of our team. We would not be where we are without the support of Smiths News and its colleagues.’

Looking ahead, Pass It On will be working with other sponsors and partners, as well as raising money and donations directly from public supporters. ‘Our Just Giving page has got off to a flying start and we’ll be running fundraising campaigns throughout the year,’ says Mike.

As a registered charity Pass It On has appointed a Board of Trustees and will be publishing a full report of its activities and accounts in line with the required governance of UK Charities. It’s all part of becoming a bigger and more impactful organisation – and that’s something we can all celebrate even in these difficult times!