closing statement 19/05/2022

Dear valued supporters, It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to tell you that, effective from 19th May 2022, Raleigh International has ceased trading. Raleigh International Trust is inclusive of Raleigh Nepal and Raleigh Nicaragua. Raleigh Tanzania and Raleigh Costa Rica have independent status, and we are currently exploring the future viability of them operating without Raleigh International Trust. 

This decision was taken with deep sadness and made despite intensive fundraising efforts and continuous hard work from the Raleigh International global team. 

Unfortunately, the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic – including no international travel for 2 years - have resulted in delayed/cancelled Expeditions and programmes. Last year’s reductions in UK Government’s foreign aid and the cancellation of long-term corporate partnerships have also directly impacted us, as well as the ongoing tough fundraising environment more generally. 

Despite taking cost cutting measures throughout the pandemic, the overall loss of income has had a devastating impact on Raleigh International.  The Trustees sought professional advice and this advice has confirmed that the charity is insolvent with no ability to continue operations.  Therefore, on 19 May 2022, the Trustees made the decision to take the necessary steps to place the charity into Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation and engaged Carter Backer Winter LLP (“CBW”) to assist with this process.  Regrettably, all employees of the charity will be made redundant, and the charity has effectively ceased trading with immediate effect. 

I am immensely proud of all that Raleigh International has achieved in the last 38 years. We have worked with over 55,000 young people from all over the globe amounting to over 100 million volunteer hours. These young people have completed projects in over 50 countries to create sustainable change on a wide range of issues around climate and conservation, water, sanitation and hygiene, youth economic empowerment and youth in civil society.  

Raleigh International has always been a global community dedicated to building a greener, fairer, and more sustainable world. Through Raleigh Expedition, our Re:Green conservation programme and our National Youth Programmes, young people have gained the skills, tools and knowledge to take action on the world’s most important issues and Raleigh’s legacy will continue through our global movement of young people, including our alliance of Raleigh National Societies. These independent alumni societies will continue to achieve incredible things, leading on environmental campaigns and supporting local community initiatives.  #

I would like to pass on my sincere gratitude to all our volunteers, supporters, staff, former staff, funders, partners, and alumni who have supported our work. Above all to the young people in who Raleigh International’s legacy will live on. 

As you can imagine this has been an incredibly difficult email to write. It’s difficult to put into words the range of emotions that we feel. Most of all there is a combination of sadness, hope and pride – sadness that Raleigh won’t be there for future generations of young people, hope that without Raleigh young people will continue to make the difference in this crazy world of ours, and pride of the incredible achievements of the organization throughout its history and the profound impact it has had on all the wonderful people who have taken part in our programmes and work. 

Keep the Raleigh spirit going wherever you can. 

Julian Olivier 

Chief Executive Officer