WORCESTERSHIRE Racial Equality Council faces a bleak future unless it can raise £100,000.

Newly appointed chairman Robbie Porter said the financial situation was so dire it would be a challenge to survive the next 12 months unless that changed.

At its annual meeting in December, he revealed that the organisation, which is due to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, needs about £100,000 if it is to survive and move forward.

Mr Porter said: “Since 1989 we have provided an important service and have helped develop a range of initiatives that benefit black and minority ethnic communities living and working in Worcestershire.

“However, we are currently living in turbulent times and facing financial challenges similar to those of many small charities in the middle of the credit crunch.

“I’m confident that we can weather the storm, but it is going to be tough and we’re going to need some expert help.”

The council ended the 2008 financial year with just £16,119 in the pot.

Money problems began in June 2007 when the organisation, based at Queen Elizabeth House, The Trinity, Worcester, failed to get Big Lottery funding. As a result, staff hours were slashed, the Redditch office was closed and three members of staff were made redundant.

Mr Porter is keen for the council – whose main aims are to promote racial equality, bring together people of different cultures and work to eliminate racial discrimination – to relfect the community it serves.

He appealed for new members and urged female members to join the executive committee.

There are currently 122 members. One in five is female.

The council is also loooking to appoint a volunteer fund-raiser to help it apply for financial grants and identify alternative sources of income.

Mr Porter said: “It’s crucial that the executive committee reflects all sections of the community it serves. Women are under-represented at the moment. We need to change that.”

Anyone interested in the fund-raising role can contact Mr Porter on 01905 29283 or at wrec@hotmail.co.uk.