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© Will Aid
Surrey solicitors called on to support communities through ongoing crises Will Aid Campaign Director, Peter de Vena Franks
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urrey solicitors are being called on to support those suffering through ongoing hardships such as the costof-living crisis and the war in Ukraine. Firms across the county are being encouraged to sign up to this year’s Will Aid campaign, an annual scheme raising money for nine of the UK’s most-loved charities. Running every November, Will Aid has so far raised more than £22million for ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trocaire since its launch in 1988. Many of those charities are supporting people affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the humanitarian disaster in Ukraine, with the demand for their services continuing to increase post-COVID. Law firms participating in the scheme waive their fees for writing basic wills in return for a voluntary upfront donation to Will Aid, with moneys raised being shared among the nine charities. Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid, said: “These have been two very tough years for our partner charities and pressure is continuing to mount through the ongoing crises faced both here in the UK and around the world.
The suggested donation for people using a Will Aid solicitor is £100 for a basic will, or £180 for a pair of mirror wills. Firms taking part are introduced to new clients thanks to the scheme, many of whom need additional services on top of their basic will. Publicity support is also provided by Will Aid’s award-winning PR team, who help promote firms’ involvement with the local and national press – increasing their client reach. Larissa Bourgi, solicitor at Esher-based firm Audley Chaucer, said she would recommend other firms in the county to sign up to this year’s campaign. She said: “For our firm, Will Aid is all about connection – connecting and reaching out to the community and people around us – showing that we’re here to help. “Especially when we think about what we’ve all been through with the pandemic, it’s about showing our community that we’re here to help during the bad times and the good times. “Clients have definitely kept us in mind for other business and legal support they need, too.”
“Surrey solicitors played a fantastic role in last year’s campaign, helping us on our path to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to support good causes.
Celebrity supporters of the campaign include TV show host Graham Norton, Academy Award-winning actress Dame Judi Dench and ITV journalist Robert Peston, while the campaign has regularly been highlighted by financial guru Martin Lewis.
“Donating your time and expertise to Will Aid directly helps improve the lives of vulnerable people in the UK and around the world and highlights your firm’s commitment to community.
To sign up to Will Aid 2022 or express your interest, visit the Will Aid website, or contact the team directly, who will be happy to answer your questions. ■
“We have seen thousands of enquiries from people in the South East and it would be fantastic to see more firms from Surrey sign up and help transform the lives of those in need.”
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www.willaid.org.uk/solicitors 0300 0300 013
