GOSH to keep Presidents Club money

28 Mar 2018 News

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity has announced that it will keep money donated to it by the Presidents Club, despite originally saying it would return all funds received.

The charity said it had made the decision following feedback from its supporters, as well as guidance from the Charity Commission, and “taking into account the impending closure of the Presidents Club Charitable Trust”.

The Presidents Club announced in January that it would close after a Financial Times investigation reported instances of sexual harassment at its annual fundraising dinner. 

When reports first broke about the controversial dinner, GOSH had said that it would return donations it had received from the charity. Although not receiving any money from the 2018 dinner, GOSH had benefited from previous fundraising dinners the Presidents Club had held. 

However, last month the charity had said that it was considering its position on whether it would return the money.

In a statement, the charity said yesterday: “Our thinking is always guided by our aim to maximise the support we give to the hospital and the families it cares for.

“Following feedback from our supporters, guidance from the Charity Commission and taking into account the impending closure of the Presidents Club Charitable Trust, the trustees have decided to retain the funds donated by the trust.

“We would like to thank all of our donors for their support, it is only through their generosity that we can make a difference for seriously ill children cared for at the hospital.”

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