Peter de Vena Franks
Today I call on solicitors in the UK to support vulnerable people across the country and around the world.
Charity will-writing scheme Will Aid is looking for more solicitors to sign up to this year’s campaign, as the cost-of-living crisis and humanitarian disaster in Ukraine continues to put strain on its charity partners.
The annual campaign has raised more than £22million since 1988 for its charity partners, ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trocaire. Many millions more have also been raised through gifts in wills.
Participating firms waive their fees for writing basic wills during November, and instead, invite clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid.
Charities have faced an incredibly turbulent time in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and their services continue to be desperately needed.
Solicitors across the UK helped partner charities immensely during last year’s campaign, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support good causes.
Donating your time to Will Aid directly helps change the lives of people in your community, across the UK and around the world and highlights your firm’s commitment to community.
We receive thousands of enquiries from people across the UK every year, but simply can’t fulfil enough of them. We need more solicitors onboard to help us do this, raise more vital donations, and help transform the lives of those in need.
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.
Participating solicitors are also supported by the campaign’s PR team, who help secure firms’ coverage in local, regional and national press.
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.
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.
www.willaid.org.uk/solicitors / 0300 0300 013