MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Dear donors, supporters and friends,
As the festive season approaches, I would like to wish you and your family a joyful and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you so much for your continued support and for the generosity you have shown throughout 2025, the charity’s 25th anniversary.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF TRISH DEVLIN
1964 – 2025
It with is great fondness we remember our fellow trustee Trish who sadly lost her battle with cancer in June.
Many will remember Trish as a much-loved teacher, Head of Sixth Form and Assistant Headteacher at St Joan of Arc Catholic School. She played a pivotal role in the school’s fundraising for Udayan, making it a whole-school charity and accompanied three trips to India. On retiring in August 2023 she continued her passion for Udayan and its work by joining our board as Trustee & Secretary.
May she rest in peace.
WE ARE RECRUITING
Our search has begun for a new secretary and two additional trustees to grow the board to six members. Role descriptions can be found below:
If you are interested in supporting the charity’s vital work in the UK and India, please do get in touch.
ST JOAN’S TENTH TRIP TO INDIA
In February a tenth group of ten students and three teachers from St Joan of Arc Catholic School travelled to Kolkata to visit Udayan, Asha Bhavan Centre and Interreligious Centre of Development. It was great to see the NGOs all doing so well and to witness the impact of the funding we’ve provided.
The majority of the visit was at Udayan where they spent lots of time with the children and brightened up areas in need of some TLC. On the penultimate evening the children and staff of Udayan put on a superb cultural programme for their guests. As is the tradition our visiting group performed a dance – a five-song Bollywood mash-up lasting 11 minutes!
It was a privilege to witness the students’ service in action.
FUNDRAISING NEWS
It’s been another busy year of fundraising:
- The team from St Joan of Arc packed 100 teddies donated by Teddies for Tragedies into their suitcases for the younger children at Udayan.
- In March, Ed and Charlotte (Head Boy & Head Girl at St Joan of Arc School) organised a charity run for Udayan with Ed running 5km in each of the five periods of the school day. He was joined by Charlotte, sixth formers and the wider school community throughout the day. They raised an amazing £3,678 for Udayan’s Fred Kahl Health Centre.
- On the same day students from the school’s sixth form held a cake sale for the school raising £399.
- The children of St Ethelbert’s Catholic Primary School in Slough raised £235 for new bedding during their Pentecost Pledge Day in June.
- Annabel Barton, who visited Udayan in February, completed a 10km run around Silverstone in November raising over £900.
… added to which we received generous donations from individuals across the UK and beyond. Without this wonderful support, City of Joy Aid, UK wouldn’t be able to help the NGOs in Kolkata.
FUNDING UPDATES
Over the past year City of Joy Aid, UK has funded the following projects for Udayan:
- Purchased a new bus to replace one from 2010.
- Funded the refurbishment of the kitchen and dining hall.
- Repaired sections of the boundary wall and drainage.
We continue to fund the healthcare provision at Udayan ensuring every child remains fit and well. Last year I mentioned Tathagatha Roy who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 15 – I’m pleased to report he is doing well and responding to ongoing treatment.
At our December Board Meeting, we approved funding for Udayan to:
- Replace its SUV (due for retirement in January).
- Refurbish and carry out some structural repairs on cottages 1 & 3 (with 2 & 4 scheduled later in the year).
- Install a wired CCTV system to comply with Indian regulations.
Udayan and other NGOs in Kolkata could not serve the poorest of the poor without your financial support and encouragement. On their behalf I extend heartfelt gratitude to you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year,
Chris Mann
Trustee & Chair
