A firm based in Esher raised enough money to fund PPE, handwashing kits, education supplies and food vouchers after taking part in a national will-writing campaign last November.
Audley Chaucer raised a total of £13,490 for Will Aid, after volunteering their time and expertise to write wills in exchange for a voluntary donation, even during such a difficult year.
The money raised by solicitors who take part in Will Aid supports the work of its nine partner charities and has helped their life saving work in response to the global pandemic – one of which is Save the Children.
Over the last year, Save the Children have been working both in the UK and overseas to provide food vouchers, PPE, education supplies and handwashing kits to help protect the younger generation from the impact of the deadly virus.
Victoria Friar from the charity explained: “Vulnerable families have been hit hard by the pandemic and children all over the world are suffering so they need our support.
“This is why donations from fundraising campaigns such as Will Aid are so important – now even more than ever.
“As little as £100 could buy 68 face masks for medical staff in high-risk areas and £12 a month could provide 75 sachets of therapeutic food paste to severely malnourished children, so the £13,490 that Audley Chaucer has raised will make a massive difference.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from solicitors that have supported Will Aid, the donations they have raised have made a real impact during such a difficult time.”
Joseph Beams from Audley Chaucer said the team had written more than 300 wills during November to raise £13,490.
Joseph Beams from the firm said: “Charities have been hit hard due to the pandemic, so we’re delighted we were able to play our part in helping charities like Save the Children to continue their life saving work.
“Making a will is something that many people put off, but we have found that the pandemic has prompted people to get their affairs in order.
“Taking part in this scheme enabled people to get a professionally drawn-up will and peace of mind, while the charities receive much-needed donations for their vital work.”
Will Aid raises money for charities: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save The Children, Sightsavers, Age UK, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).
Hundreds of solicitors took part in the scheme in 2020 despite suffering a year of national lockdowns and uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director, said: “Thanks to the 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 and local people who used the scheme are prepared for the future.
“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Audley Chaucer for their incredible efforts during a very difficult year, it is hugely appreciated.”
Will Aid will run again in November 2021. Find out more by visiting www.willaid.org.uk.