National Law Firm Launches Annual Fundraising Drive

Leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell has revealed the line-up of good causes that it is set to raise vital funds for as part of its Charity of the Year (COTY) programme for 2018.

A range of bodies including an art school for children with learning disabilities, hospices, a horse riding centre for the disabled, homeless charities, and a dog rescue shelter have been selected to benefit from the law firm’s COTY initiative.

The 12 month annual programme sees staff in each of the firm’s 13 UK offices nominate and vote for a good cause in the local vicinity to support by holding a range of fundraising events throughout the year.

The initiative is part of the work of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, an independent charity which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary and has raised more than £1.6 million for charities in the UK and abroad.
Adrian Budgen, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell and Trustee of the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation, said: 

Expert Opinion

The Charity of the Year initiative has been a fundamental part of our efforts to actively support the local communities where we are based for many years and we are proud to have helped many incredible causes along the way.

All of the charities that we are supporting across 2018 undertake incredibly important work in a diverse range of areas and, with a number of fundraising events already planned, we are determined to ensure we can raise as much money for them as possible. Adrian Budgen - National Head of Asbestos and Occupational Disease

Irwin Mitchell’s charities of the year for 2018 are:

Birmingham - Birmingham St Mary’s cares for individuals at its hospice in Selly Park, in people’s own homes and in community locations; giving people more choice and providing services whenever and wherever they need them.  It also offers bereavement support for families and loved ones, as well as emotional and practical help. 

Bristol – Off The Record (OTR) is a mental health social movement by and for young people in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. OTR provides information and support for 11-25-year-olds via groups and projects that have been designed with the help of young people.

Cambridge – Rowan run a range of art and craft classes for people with learning disabilities. The stimulating experience they offer students helps build confidence as well as developing social and communication skills.

Chichester – Dementia Support will receive our support for the second year running after colleagues decided they wanted to see the ‘Dementia Hub’ they had been fundraising for in 2017 open to the public in Spring. When fully operational the charity’s new hub will bring local dementia services under one roof and provide the latest support, information, advice and activities to those living with dementia.

Gatwick – St Catherine’s Hospice provides care to people across West Sussex and East Surrey with the ambition of helping everyone face death in an informed, supported and pain-free manner.

Glasgow – Simon Community Scotland are working to combat the causes and effects of homelessness. Their vision is that everyone should have a safe place to live and access to the support they need.

Leeds – Whitehall Dog Rescue is dedicated to saving the lives of stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs who would otherwise be put down. The charity works hard to rehabilitate and train the dogs as well as providing whatever treatment they may need before re-homing them. 

London - Digswell Place Group is part of Riding for the Disabled Association. The charity has a purpose built, voluntarily run riding stable for adults and children with disabilities. They aim to give the opportunity of riding to any disabled person who might benefit in their health and well-being. 

Manchester - Animals in Distress provides 24-hour rescue support, veterinary treatment, neutering and a micro-chipping scheme for animals that have come to them as strays, who’ve been abandoned in cruelty cases or who are elderly and require specialist care.  

Newbury – The National Animal Welfare Trust (Berkshire) is dedicated to caring for older animals and also supports people who are considering adopting a rescue pet. They offer counselling to those who have lost a pet who has passed away or had to be rehomed because the owner can no longer care for them for a variety of reasons.

Newcastle – Tynedale Hospice at Home provides nursing care, transport and pre and post bereavement support to children, adults and families in the local community, with a focus on palliative nursing support in the home.

Sheffield – Roundabout provides shelter, support and life skills to young people aged between 16 and 24 who are affected by or at risk of homelessness. They also work in the community to breakdown stereotypes around homelessness. 

Southampton – Abby’s Heroes was set up by the parents of brave Abby Randall after she lost her battle with cancer aged just 11. The charity helps and support children and their families who come under the care of the paediatric and teenage oncology and haematology wards at Southampton General Hospital. They offer financial and practical help as well as the opportunity to make lasting memories.