Crawley lawyers praised for Will Aid Week donations

Crawley solicitors firm Lewis & Dick have raised £4,285 for charity by taking part in the Will Aid scheme where they wrote wills for people and asked them only to consider making a donation to charity.
Laura Mead (Christian Aid) thanks James Winfield, Partner, Lewis & Dick Solicitors, for their fundraising during Will Aid Week - picture submittedLaura Mead (Christian Aid) thanks James Winfield, Partner, Lewis & Dick Solicitors, for their fundraising during Will Aid Week - picture submitted
Laura Mead (Christian Aid) thanks James Winfield, Partner, Lewis & Dick Solicitors, for their fundraising during Will Aid Week - picture submitted

Laura Mead from Christian Aid paid the firm a visit last week to present them with a certificate to show their fantastic achievement and to let them know how the money they raised will be spent.

She said: “Christian Aid really appreciates the hard work and generosity of all at Lewis & Dick as well as the local people who came to make a will with Will Aid.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Will Aid scheme is really important to us not just because of the money raised through initial donations but also because Will Aid offers people the opportunity to leave a legacy gift.

“Legacies are hugely important to us and make a significant contribution to the work we do eradicating poverty and helping to change the systems and structures that keep people poor. A legacy of any size makes such a difference and helps to change lives all over the world.”

Partner James Winfield and colleagues at Lewis & Dick wrote over 70 wills during the month of November, generously giving their time for free for the whole month.

Will Aid, now in its 27th year, is a charity scheme that raises money for nine charities: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save The Children, Sightsavers, Age UK, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As well as raising funds for the charities, the scheme helps to ensure people have a professionally drawn up will.

A will is a vital document for every adult no matter their age. Not only does it ensure that a person’s money and possessions are distributed as they wish but it means that they have a say in who looks after any children they may have if something should happen to them before those children reach 18.

James Winfield said: “Historically, Lewis and Dick has been a Christian law firm. We have always had those Christian principles at the heart of Lewis & Dick and the motivation to be charitable, but we view volunteering like this is a good way to fulfil some of our overall Corporate Social Responsibilities. We also take part in a range of other charitable activities, and will be taking part in Will Aid again next year!”

This year’s Will Aid has been a great success with the total funds raised so far reaching an impressive £1.1m for the nine charities. Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director, is delighted with how solicitors and will makers have responded to the scheme. He said:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Over the years, the Will Aid campaign has made an amazing contribution to the work of the nine participating charities and this year was no exception. Thanks to the support and commitment of local solicitors that took part in this year’s Will Aid, many people both in the UK and abroad will receive life changing support from the nine wonderful charities. And local people who used the scheme have the peace of mind knowing their affairs are in order thanks to having a professionally drawn up Will.

I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the solicitors and will makers in this area and let them know that thanks to them, lives will change for the better and people who need it will continue to receive the help and support that the charities work so hard to provide.”

Will Aid will run again in November 2016. Solicitors and anyone who wants to make a Will can find out more at the website www.willaid.org.uk

Related topics: