Watermans Legal has raised £3,660 in vital funds for charity by volunteering their time and expertise to write people’s wills in exchange for charitable donations.
Watermans Legal gave up some of their time in November to take part in Will Aid, an annual campaign which raises money for nine of the UK’s best-loved charities.
This is the eighth year they have taken part in the scheme which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. In total, they have raised £12,470 to date.
Shawn Wood from the firm, said: “This is a superb initiative which targets the millions of people in the UK who do not have a will and allows them access to a professional to draw up this important document.
“Meanwhile, it raises money for some of the most vulnerable people worldwide.
“We were able to provide a high level of service to the local community and the campaign introduced us to lots of new clients.”
Will Aid has raised more than £20 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies, for charity since it launched 30 years ago.
James Tarleton, chair of Will Aid said: “We are extremely grateful to the solicitors and all those that used the scheme, for their generous contribution.
“The nine partner charities use donations and legacies raised during Will Aid to reach people in need, both here in the UK and all around the world.”
Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director, said: “Thanks to the commitment of local solicitors that took part in Will Aid 2018, many people both in the UK and abroad will receive life-changing support, and local people who used the scheme have gained peace of mind thanks to having a professionally drawn up will.
“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Watermans Legal for their incredible efforts in 2018.”
Will Aid takes place every November and participating solicitors volunteer their time and expertise and waive their fee for writing a basic will.
Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid.
These donations support nine of the UK’s best-loved charities – ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland).
The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £95 for a single will and £150 for a pair of mirror wills.
Will Aid always needs more solicitors to take part, for more information about how to sign up visit www.willaid.org.uk/solicitors