The Fund

[petra]

Thought perhaps it it might be a good idea to start a thread on THE FUND>

[petra]

http://www.findmadeleine.com/

Home page---Pictures, Gerry's Blog, Fund Donations, Online Store,Events

http://www.findmadeleine.com/fund/#t

MADELEINE’S FUND

Leaving No Stone Unturned


Madeleine’s fund is a non charitable not-for-profit company, which has been established to help find Madeleine McCann and to support her family and bring her abductors to justice. Any surplus funds will be used to help families and missing children in the United Kingdom, Portugal and elsewhere in similar circumstances. If there are surplus funds Madeleine’s Funds can be converted into a charity.

The Fund is following best practice governance procedures as set out in the Good Governance Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector. The directors of the company are Peter Hubner, Brian Kennedy, John McCann, Esther McVey, Doug Skehan and Philip Tomlinson. They have appropriate legal, business and charitable experience. An experienced Fund Administrator has been appointed to ensure the highest standards of transparency and accountability. This should enable the Directors to maintain an appropriate governance distance in the day-to-day operations of the Fund.

The Board and its individual Directors will ensure that the Fund is subject to required financial legal scrutiny. They will ensure that they receive reliable external advice and information, as the basis for making good decisions.


NOTE
1.1 The full objects of the Fund are:

1.1.1 To secure the safe return to her family of Madeleine McCann who was abducted in Praia da Luz, Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007;

1.1.2 To procure that Madeleine’s abduction is thoroughly investigated and that her abductors, as well as those who played or play any part in assisting them, are identified and brought to justice; and

1.1.3 To provide support, including financial assistance, to Madeleine’s family.

1.2 If the above objects are fulfilled then the objects of the Foundation shall be to pursue such purposes in similar cases arising in the United Kingdom, Portugal or elsewhere.




================================================== =====SNIPPED

[Elphaba]

I know quite a few people in the UK are trying to get the fund frozen, with no success. Maybe they are waiting for charges to be handed down, first? Freeze the funds until a verdict is reached? If they are found guilty, pretty much it makes the money raised, that of a fraudulent nature.

And rumor has it, Gerry wants to use the money for their legal expenses... what's anyones view on that?

[poco]

http://www.findmadeleine.com/

Home page---Pictures, Gerry's Blog, Fund Donations, Online Store,Events

On online store - give me a break. I'm sure they are saying this $$ is being used to help find Madeleine - but how??? Maybe more for a defense fund, although I truly hope not, but doesn't look good.

Wristbands
Our High Quality wristbands have the full UK telephone number on them should you need to use it to contact the authorities. Click here for more.

Posters
Our High Quality posters with all contact information. Click here for more.

Note that these items are HIGH QUALITY - nothing but the best for this missing little girl................ This bothers me!

[Shazza]

I know quite a few people in the UK are trying to get the fund frozen, with no success. Maybe they are waiting for charges to be handed down, first? Freeze the funds until a verdict is reached? If they are found guilty, pretty much it makes the money raised, that of a fraudulent nature.

And rumor has it, Gerry wants to use the money for their legal expenses... what's anyones view on that?
I think the fund should be frozen too Elphaba, no money should be allowed for the legal team for the McCanns, let them pay like everybody else or get legal aid. The money should be used for what it was intended to help find missing children. The McCanns should not benefit from any of this money.

[angarella]

I know quite a few people in the UK are trying to get the fund frozen, with no success. Maybe they are waiting for charges to be handed down, first? Freeze the funds until a verdict is reached? If they are found guilty, pretty much it makes the money raised, that of a fraudulent nature.

And rumor has it, Gerry wants to use the money for their legal expenses... what's anyones view on that?

I know that on the Daily Mirror boards, there has been a petition started to freeze the funds. I will try to find the link.

As for Gerry wanting to use the money for their legal expenses, that is just so wrong, on so many levels. IMO! :behindbar

[petra]

I think the fund should be frozen to Elphaba, no money should be allowed for the legal team for the McCanns, let them pay like everybody else or get legal aid. The money should be used for what it was intended to help find missing children. The McCanns should not benefit from any of this money.

I agree.
From yesterday---The Star :rolleyes:


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/15130/Dad-I-ll-use-1m-Maddie-fund-to-clear-our-names/

[petra]

On online store - give me a break. I'm sure they are saying this $$ is being used to help find Madeleine - but how??? Maybe more for a defense fund, although I truly hope not, but doesn't look good.

Wristbands
Our High Quality wristbands have the full UK telephone number on them should you need to use it to contact the authorities. Click here for more.

Posters
Our High Quality posters with all contact information. Click here for more.

Note that these items are HIGH QUALITY - nothing but the best for this missing little girl................ This bothers me!

Better stock up now for Christmas!!!!!!!:cool::cool:

[angarella]

Better stock up now for Christmas!!!!!!!:cool::cool:

:D....:angel:

[Elphaba]

The High Quality posters thing really gets under my skin... how sad that they would put a price tag on posters that would be far more productive in finding her, than the ones they allow you to download for free. It seems like this poor girl was nothing more than a marketing tool for them.

[s_finch]

Quote below from the Daily Star, notice the section I bolded.

"And some called for the fund to be frozen.
But legal experts said there was little that could be done to stop the McCanns – because the fund is a private business and not a charity.

It was rejected by the Charity Commission which ruled its aims were not broad enough to merit charitable status.

Consent

Instead Madeleine’s Fund: Leaving No Stone Unturned Ltd was set up as a company.
That means the McCanns only have to get the consent of the firm’s board of directors to access the cash.
And they are all either close pals or relatives.
So far heart surgeon Gerry and GP Kate, both 39, have paid for their own lawyers.

But if they are formally charged – as their Portuguese attorney has predicted – the legal bill will rocket.
Police admit the case could take up to two years to go to trial.

The couple’s spokeswoman Justine McGuinness said: “Gerry and Kate are paying for their own legal team.
“But they are looking into the legality of using the Find Madeleine campaign fund in the future.”"

[Shazza]

I agree.
From yesterday---The Star :rolleyes:


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/15130/Dad-I-ll-use-1m-Maddie-fund-to-clear-our-names/
It is taking all of my might to not blow my lid, the McCanns if given any money to pay legal fees should be charged with fraud as well as murder, those funds were donated to find Madelaine not to prove the parents innocence, this is morally wrong and if the board of the fund vote to pay legal costs they should be put in front of a firing squad, at lease the relatives on that board dont have a say, but still there are work colleauges and friends who could vote in their favour, lets hope they have more morals than the McCanns. This is utterly disgusting.

[Trino]

If the McCanns use this fund for their legal defenses, this certainly will (should) make future donors concerned about giving money to other causes.

[Shazza]

If the McCanns use this fund for their legal defenses, this certainly will (should) make future donors concerned about giving money to other causes.
Exactly Trino, I wonder if the donors can get their money back, if so they should, I read in Petras link that some have already started to ask for their money back.

[Barnaby]

The fund should now be fozen until the McCanns position is clarified. It should not be used to pay legal expenses.
I am sure people would leave the money there if they knew that it would be used to help find other missing children but not to defend the McCanns if they harmed their daughter then set up this elaborate hoax!

[Trino]

Quote below from the Daily Star, notice the section I bolded.

"And some called for the fund to be frozen.
But legal experts said there was little that could be done to stop the McCanns – because the fund is a private business and not a charity.

It was rejected by the Charity Commission which ruled its aims were not broad enough to merit charitable status.

Consent

Instead Madeleine’s Fund: Leaving No Stone Unturned Ltd was set up as a company.
That means the McCanns only have to get the consent of the firm’s board of directors to access the cash.
And they are all either close pals or relatives.
So far heart surgeon Gerry and GP Kate, both 39, have paid for their own lawyers.

But if they are formally charged – as their Portuguese attorney has predicted – the legal bill will rocket.
Police admit the case could take up to two years to go to trial.

The couple’s spokeswoman Justine McGuinness said: “Gerry and Kate are paying for their own legal team.
“But they are looking into the legality of using the Find Madeleine campaign fund in the future.”"


Doesn't this just make your blood boil?

[poco]

Yep, makes my blood boil. Thanks to the internet we have come a long way in finding criminals and missing children, etc. To me, wearing a little yellow bracelet does nothing to aid in finding her.

USE THE WEB - PLASTER IT ALL OVER THE WEB - EVERYONE USES THE WEB -We here at WS, along with other forums, have probably done more for Maddie's cause than anything - including a stupid yellow bracelet.

Sorry if that sounds callus, but give me a break!!!

[mjak]

On online store - give me a break. I'm sure they are saying this $$ is being used to help find Madeleine - but how??? Maybe more for a defense fund, although I truly hope not, but doesn't look good.

Wristbands
Our High Quality wristbands have the full UK telephone number on them should you need to use it to contact the authorities. Click here for more.

Posters
Our High Quality posters with all contact information. Click here for more.

Note that these items are HIGH QUALITY - nothing but the best for this missing little girl................ This bothers me!

What bothers me is that they are being SOLD not given away. If my child was missing I would want anyone who wanted to put a poster up or wear a braclet to do so. I would want the world wallpapered with my childs picture. I would never put an obsticle of money in the way of that objective.

mjak

[englishleigh]

I know quite a few people in the UK are trying to get the fund frozen, with no success. Maybe they are waiting for charges to be handed down, first? Freeze the funds until a verdict is reached? If they are found guilty, pretty much it makes the money raised, that of a fraudulent nature.

And rumor has it, Gerry wants to use the money for their legal expenses... what's anyones view on that?

That is sick. :mad:

[Angie4b1g]

It is taking all of my might to not blow my lid, the McCanns if given any money to pay legal fees should be charged with fraud as well as murder, those funds were donated to find Madelaine not to prove the parents innocence, this is morally wrong and if the board of the fund vote to pay legal costs they should be put in front of a firing squad, at lease the relatives on that board dont have a say, but still there are work colleauges and friends who could vote in their favour, lets hope they have more morals than the McCanns. This is utterly disgusting.

Yeah. What she said. :furious::furious:

[Texana]

I think the relatives are the ones in charge of administering the funds. So the decision to use the $$ for legal defense can always be pawned off on the relatives.

It's going to happen, I feel certain.

[Rino]

Exactly Trino, I wonder if the donors can get their money back, if so they should, I read in Petras link that some have already started to ask for their money back.
Absolutly, the money was given under fraudulent circumstances if the indeed are guilty. Boy, will the tide turn for those who are able to admit they have been duped. There will always be some who will steadfast deny they are even capable of this crime, there always are.

[Salem]

What bothers me is that they are being SOLD not given away. If my child was missing I would want anyone who wanted to put a poster up or wear a braclet to do so. I would want the world wallpapered with my childs picture. I would never put an obsticle of money in the way of that objective.

mjak

Oh mjak! I so agree. SOLD - :banghead: :banghead: :furious: :furious: This was the purpose of the fund, a fund that have over a million dollars in it and they can't pass out poster and even those dang bracelets for free (many, many cuss words here). It makes you just want to shake them all.

IS THERE ONE MEMBER IN THAT FAMILY THAT HAS AN OUNCE OF COMMON SENSE AND IS NOT DRIVEN BY MONEY????

Just one? Sorry for the yelling, but this really pushes my buttons. In all this time, K&G have not done one thing to find their daughter that wasn't attached to attention getting or money making.

This fund was established on May 14th, IIRC. Eleven days after Maddie disappeared. Yes, I understand a lot of money was being thrown at the McCann's initially to help, but Gerry's focus became this :furious: fund and the stinking campaign NOT the whereabouts of his daughter.

Someone in this mess has to have some integrity or honesty, don't they? Really, don't they? How can so many people in one group not see what is needed here? Just a little common sense, decency, and honesty. That's all. Not a lot to ask when a 4 year old is missing......

Salem

[Barnaby]

What bothers me is that they are being SOLD not given away. If my child was missing I would want anyone who wanted to put a poster up or wear a braclet to do so. I would want the world wallpapered with my childs picture. I would never put an obsticle of money in the way of that objective.

mjak
ITA it all seemed to be about money from the start! Who would think about selling posters of their missing daughter rather than giving them away by the thousands, it beggars belief!

In view of their obsession with money I wouldn't be a bit surprised that my initial theory of this being a staged abduction for money was correct. If Madeleine is dead then something went wrong!

[petra]

Oh mjak! I so agree. SOLD - :banghead: :banghead: :furious: :furious: This was the purpose of the fund, a fund that have over a million dollars in it and they can't pass out poster and even those dang bracelets for free (many, many cuss words here). It makes you just want to shake them all.

IS THERE ONE MEMBER IN THAT FAMILY THAT HAS AN OUNCE OF COMMON SENSE AND IS NOT DRIVEN BY MONEY????

Just one? Sorry for the yelling, but this really pushes my buttons. In all this time, K&G have not done one thing to find their daughter that wasn't attached to attention getting or money making.

This fund was established on May 14th, IIRC. Eleven days after Maddie disappeared. Yes, I understand a lot of money was being thrown at the McCann's initially to help, but Gerry's focus became this :furious: fund and the stinking campaign NOT the whereabouts of his daughter.

Someone in this mess has to have some integrity or honesty, don't they? Really, don't they? How can so many people in one group not see what is needed here? Just a little common sense, decency, and honesty. That's all. Not a lot to ask when a 4 year old is missing......

Salem

Well said. And remember it is over 1 million GBP or 2 million USD. Donated by school kids, bake sales, church events, dinner fundraisers, etc.

And this is in addition to the 2.5 million pound or 5 million USD reward money donated by JK Rowling, Richard Branson ,Wayne Rooney and a Scottish business man-whose name i apologize for not remembering.

Donations also included free lodging at the Ocean Club, free access to private jets and accommodation while traveling, gratis trips for Gerry to speak and rumored payments for interviews in magazines and media.

Still hoping for Madeleine to be safe and sound.

[Jdee]

Interesting article on the fund;

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/15130/Dad-I-ll-use-1m-Maddie-fund-to-clear-our-names/

"In messages posted on internet websites many revealed that they planned to demand their
donations back.

And some called for the fund to be frozen.
But legal experts said there was little that could be done to stop the McCanns – because the fund is a private business and not a charity.

It was rejected by the Charity Commission which ruled its aims were not broad enough to merit charitable status"

Consent

Instead Madeleine’s Fund: Leaving No Stone Unturned Ltd was set up as a company.
That means the McCanns only have to get the consent of the firm’s board of directors to access the cash."

[Elphaba]

From what I read on the Mirror forums, every doggone attempt to get the fund investigated or frozen, is getting shot down. This family made sure that fund was filtered into a business aspect that is hard to touch. It all stinks to the high heavens...

[Brefie]

While for right now I believe they are innocent....it is an absolute DISGRACE that this money would be used for a defense fund.

[Jdee]

I completely agree Brefie.

[CaliKid]

IF the McCanns had anything to do with Madeleine's disappearance (death), they knew well before they set up the fund that it's #1 objective:

1.1.1 To secure the safe return to her family of Madeleine McCann who was abducted in Praia da Luz, Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007

was impossible. That means the entire inception of this fund was a plot to make money for them to spend on themselves under the guise of searching for their daughter. That is fraud.

So why should the McCanns, who may have fraudulently set up a scam on the dead body of their child, be allowed to use that money to try to extricate themselves from the charges of causing her to die?

It certainly goes a long way in explaining why the FindMadeleine website included so little actual information about Madeleine's appearance. And why the missing posters weren't in any language other than English and Portuguese- because they knew she would never be recovered.

I know people are investigating whether they can demand a refund through PayPal for fraud, and I hope it's doable.

And I think the wristbands are tacky.

[Jdee]

and remember Cali VERY early on I posted about buying one whether I should or shouldn't? I am glad now I decided against it. I will support Madeleine but not the 'dream team' for the Team Mccann

[Brefie]

and remember Cali VERY early on I posted about buying one whether I should or shouldn't? I am glad now I decided against it. I will support Madeleine but not the 'dream team' for the Team Mccann

You know, I was going back and forth until I read that they had spent only 70k and had raised well over 1m. If the fund had been dwindling and costs itemized, I definitely would have donated.

[Jdee]

The fund to me has not been handeled well at all wether they are guilty or innocent. At one point they were charging for posters. I don't know if they still are or not but that to me was just way over the top.

[Barnaby]

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?232037

[Shazza]

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?232037
Great link Barnaby, I signed.

[Brefie]

Signed it.

Thank you for the link, Barnaby :)

[Kelly]

Folks, don't sign this petition.

These online petitions generally amount to nothing other than awareness for the originator.

Notice the Google Ads imbedded right in the middle of the page?

The originator knows this is a hot button topic, and it will start getting passed around all over the place. He'll get alot of ads clicks and make money from the situation.

Disgusting, I say.

[Rino]

Signed.

[Texana]

Right Kelly, it is such a frustration for the people who donated, but I feel certain that legally the fund is insulated from any claims for refunds.

The fund has been used for the McCann living expenses (based on my opinion) and will continue to be used for anything the administrators--friends and family of the McCanns--consider appropriate.

That will include legal expenses because of course, in their view, they are innocent.

[sleuthin4fun]

Folks, don't sign this petition.

These online petitions generally amount to nothing other than awareness for the originator.

Notice the Google Ads imbedded right in the middle of the page?

The originator knows this is a hot button topic, and it will start getting passed around all over the place. He'll get alot of ads clicks and make money from the situation.

Disgusting, I say.

OOPS!!!! I signed it!:rolleyes:

[englishleigh]

While for right now I believe they are innocent....it is an absolute DISGRACE that this money would be used for a defense fund.

My husband suggested that if they really did do all the PJ says they did, maybe they were collecting this money all along as a "legal defense fund", knowing they might eventually face trial...and also money for the twins to grow up and be educated on should the parents still be in prison.

[butterfly blue]

I think they will be doing themselves the biggest miservice if they touch this fund for legal representation, they must surely know by now how they are being viewed. Team McCann indeed, I was surprised to see them travel back with a no-frills holiday jet company, obviously the milk of human kindness was not available yesterday for a private jet. Come to think of it, I don't remember them wearing those yellow arm bands & haven't seen the yellow & green hair ties on Kate..........hmmmm!!!! maybe they are still wearing them, I've just been too busy watching the body language, or lack of it.

[Kelly]

Right Kelly, it is such a frustration for the people who donated, but I feel certain that legally the fund is insulated from any claims for refunds.

I agree. My main point is about the petition itself: its real purpose and what it doesn't accomplish. I just wanted to give everyone an FYI so they don't sign it and pass it around.

I am disgusted about many things in respect to this whole situation, but will refrain from comments at this time.

[Salem]

My husband suggested that if they really did do all the PJ says they did, maybe they were collecting this money all along as a "legal defense fund", knowing they might eventually face trial...and also money for the twins to grow up and be educated on should the parents still be in prison.

I agree with your husband englishleigh! Have thought so since they hired the attorneys within days of "losing" Maddie.

Here's what GM says now:

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/15130/Dad-I-ll-use-1m-Maddie-fund-to-clear-our-names/


He said: "It seems like a disaster that we’ve got this huge donated fund and now we’re not allowed to use it for legal costs because we’re under
suspicion.

"I never really imagined we’d be in this situation."

I don't believe this for a minute - he knew exactly where he was headed and he was trying to be sure he would have the funds to get himself out of there!

Salem

[englishleigh]

I agree with your husband englishleigh! Have thought so since they hired the attorneys within days of "losing" Maddie.

Here's what GM says now:

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/15130/Dad-I-ll-use-1m-Maddie-fund-to-clear-our-names/


He said: "It seems like a disaster that we’ve got this huge donated fund and now we’re not allowed to use it for legal costs because we’re under
suspicion.

"I never really imagined we’d be in this situation."

I don't believe this for a minute - he knew exactly where he was headed and he was trying to be sure he would have the funds to get himself out of there!

Salem



Yes, he has been full of it from the very beginning. And I also think that if either of them did anything to Maddie, it was HIM and NOT Kate. I'd like to see the evidence they have that Kate was the perp and Gerry just an accessory.

[CaliKid]

I agree with your husband englishleigh! Have thought so since they hired the attorneys within days of "losing" Maddie.

Here's what GM says now:

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/15130/Dad-I-ll-use-1m-Maddie-fund-to-clear-our-names/


He said: "It seems like a disaster that we’ve got this huge donated fund and now we’re not allowed to use it for legal costs because we’re under
suspicion.

"I never really imagined we’d be in this situation."

I don't believe this for a minute - he knew exactly where he was headed and he was trying to be sure he would have the funds to get himself out of there!

Salem



I agree 100%. This was done on purpose- to make money off their dead daughter so they wouldn't be left that much poorer from paying for their own defense.

[englishleigh]

OHHHHH!!

Just thought of something about Kate the "Perp" vs. Gerry the "Accessory"...

I think they TRULY suspect GERRY of killing Madeleine, and they are trying to get Gerry, who supposedly loves his wife, to admit that HE did it so they won't charge Kate.

But I swear, I think Gerry would allow his own wife to be charged, even if HE was guilty.

:behindbar

[CaliKid]

But I swear, I think Gerry would allow his own wife to be charged, even if HE was guilty.

:behindbar

Definitely. To save his own butt, Gerry would sell out anyone.

[Trino]

Do you think either of the McCanns will confess? I'm betting they already have talked about it and have vowed that neither of them will do so. I also doubt that their "friends" who Portuguese LE want to interview will ever give evidence. This is a tightly knit group that believes they are smart enough to get away with this awful crime.

[Barnaby]

I don't think there will be a confession, these are cold calculating people who will brazen it out to the end.

[Texana]

I don't think they will confess, because in their minds, it was a tragic accident or mistake in judgement, just like hundreds of other decisions doctors make daily. They'll stand behind their innocence because they truly feel they ARE innocent, of evil purpose.

[petra]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1283762,00.html

Parents will NOT use Madeleines Fund

[lizziedripping]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91210-1283762,00.html

Parents will NOT use Madeleines Fund

You know what will be coming next - they write a book and the legal fees are paid for.............. Gerry knew what he was doing when he started that daily blog, I mean, that is what people do when their daughter goes missing isn't it........ :doh: