Children’s charity Barnardo’s has announced today that it has received the largest donation in its 160-year history.
The charity revealed that it had received an £18m gift from the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust, which was set up following the death of the eponymous businesswoman, philanthropist, and former director of car manufacturer Aston Martin in the 1920s.
The Katherine Martin Charitable Trust has supported Barnardo’s for more than 60 years, particularly in the north east Lincolnshire and east Yorkshire regions.
Over this time, Barnardo’s has received in excess of £7m (over £10m when adjusted for inflation) from the trust but the latest gift is its greatest so far.
The size of the most recent donation is reportedly attributed to the recent sale of the Trust's trading subsidiary, the quarrying firm Singleton Birch, to a large US lime products company.
The buy-out also triggered significant donations to the other charities with shares in Singleton Birch, the NSPCC and the RSPCA.
Donation will fund accommodation for care leavers
Barnardo’s has said that the money will fund its Gap Homes programme, which tackles the housing crisis for young people leaving care.
It will create 50 homes across the UK, as well as an ongoing fund to support children and young people’s services in the north of England.
According to the charity, “this latest donation ensures Katherine Martin’s legacy will continue to make a profound difference to children and young people for years to come.”
Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust for its continued support.
“The generosity of this gift will have a profound impact on the lives of children and young people across the country and we are honoured to deliver this service with Katherine’s legacy in mind.
“With the support of donors like Katherine Martin, Barnardo's can continue to change childhoods and change lives.”
Civil Society has contacted the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust for comment.
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