Charity
The Foundation has cut staff wages but reports a 15 per cent drop in income from events and a 14 per cent fall in donations
31.01.13 - 21:08 -
The exterior of the Cudeca day care centre in Benalmádena. SUR
The Cudeca Foundation’s accounts for 2012 have recorded losses of 400,000 euros, a situation that could threaten the survival of the cancer care group. The 2012 figures contrast with those of 2011, although that year’s positive results were due to “unexpected income” from the sale of three inherited properties.
No properties were sold in 2012, the association’s 20th year, cutting off this extra source of income from inheritance that in previous years had helped to overcome the deficit.
Cudeca announced the 2012 results stating that the situation had caused “serious concern regarding the immediate future of the hospice”, and is mainly due to the economic crisis. The organisation pointed out that since 2010 there has been a significant fall in public subsidies and aid from savings banks.
What seems even more worrying is that in 2012, for the first time in 20 years, there was a “significant fall in income from individuals”. In fact proceeds raised through events have fallen by 15 per cent and donations are down 14 per cent.
The Board of Trustees, together with the Board of Directors, “are constantly evaluating this difficult situation, anticipating that the current economic crisis will continue for some years to come.”
At present several measures are being explored to find ways to increase income and reduce costs. These will be implemented over the next few months.
One of the measures is to reduce staff salaries, made possible “thanks to the effort and commitment of all the employees”.
The group has also announced that for the time being it is not thought that the care programmes will be affected as “the reserves can sustain the programmes in the short-term”. At the same time it is hoped that the “new measures taken onboard will improve expectations for the near future”.
In May the situation will be reassessed by the Board.
Challenge ahead
The Cudeca management maintains that, at the moment the challenge set for the next two years is “to continue providing the necessary level of care to people with cancer or other advanced and non-curable illnesses aiming to alleviate symptoms and accompany them to the end of life.”
Nevertheless despite the gloomy 2012 results, Cudeca has not lost its optimism. “In the past Cudeca has successfully overcome similar crises, and hopes that this time they will win the battle to keep the hospice care available to all who need them.
“Cudeca feels deeply grateful for the interest, encouragement and support received from everyone who has shared their journey over the past 20 years.”
