Partner Article

Swinburne Maddison is top fundraiser

Solicitors firm Swinburne Maddison LLP (Swinburne Maddison), in Durham have raised an amazing £6,335 for charity – making the practice the top fundraiser in the North East to take part in the Will Aid scheme.

Under the Will Aid scheme Swinburne Maddison’s private client team wrote Wills for local people and rather than charging for their services they asked them to consider making a donation to charity instead.

In recognition of this fantastic achievement, Emma Peak from Christian Aid recently paid the firm a visit to present them with a certificate and to let them know how the money they raised will be spent. Following the visit Emma said:

“Christian Aid really appreciates the hard work and generosity of everyone at Swinburne Maddison as well as the local people who came to make a will with Will Aid. 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.”

John Davison and colleagues at Swinburne Maddison wrote over 50 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). The money raised is spent helping vulnerable people here in the UK and abroad.

As well as raising funds for the Will Aid charities, the scheme helps to ensure that people in this area 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, it also 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.

John Davison, managing partner at Swinburne Maddison said:

“We have taken part in Will Aid since the scheme began and we regard it as a very worthwhile and rewarding scheme to be a part of so we always say yes when asked to support. We are absolutely delighted with the sum we have raised and we feel particularly proud that in the north east, an area that is not generally regarded as wealthy, our clients have been so generous.”

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.

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

ENDS

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leigh Chelton .