Solicitors like us can help charities continue their life-changing work by taking part in Will Aid this year and reap the benefits it brings.
At Redfern & Co, we take great pride in the knowledge that we have taken part in the national will-writing campaign for 11 fantastic years and raised a total of £13,750.
It was launched in 1988 and sees participating solicitors volunteer however much time they like throughout November to write basic wills without charging a fee. Instead, our clients make a voluntary upfront donation to Will Aid.
The campaign has raised more than £21 million, which has been shared among the campaign’s nine partner charities: Age UK, ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF, Sightsavers and Trocaire.
These important causes have felt, and continue to feel, the brunt of the pandemic on their finances. So, campaigns like Will Aid are key to their recovery. That is why, despite the difficulties of last year, we made sure we continued our support by taking part in Will Aid.
Taking part in the campaign not only supports the nine charities, but it brings benefits to our firm too. Each November, we find ourselves opening our doors to new clients, increasing the number of people who will potentially return for other services.
In addition to this, we are helping people get a professionally written will in place to protect their loved ones and causes close to them. Will Aid encourages people to think about this important legal document and, with coronavirus remaining at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we expect more people to seek wills again this year.
Peter de Vena Franks, Campaign Director for Will Aid, said: “It was inspiring to see our committed solicitors, including Redfern & Co, continue to volunteer their time to raise vital funds last year despite all the challenges.
“I encourage any solicitor firm, new or returning, to sign up to Will Aid 2021 and use this opportunity to support nine of the UK’s best-loved charities, all while welcoming new clients and boosting the profile of your business.
“Participating in Will Aid is simple and beneficial for all involved. If your firm has any questions before registering for this year, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our website, one of our team members will be more than happy to assist.”
As well as supporting nine great causes, Will Aid’s enthusiastic PR team can help promote law firms’ involvement with the local and national press and drive new clients to firms, many of whom will need additional services over and above their basic wills.
Jon Jacques, Chair of Will Aid, added: “We are very grateful for the philanthropy of solicitors who take part in Will Aid. Their selflessness each and every year is truly appreciated.
“By volunteering your time to this year’s campaign, you will be helping local people protect their loved ones and causes close to them with a professionally written will. You will also play a major part in helping nine charities continue their life-changing work.
“It is no secret that the pandemic has been detrimental for everyone, including the causes Will Aid supports. Campaigns such as this are vital to ensuring they maintain the donations they need to help vulnerable people.”
In 2020, the generosity of solicitors volunteering their time helped the campaign raise over £655,000 for the nine partner charities. This is a fantastic result, especially during a pandemic, but the campaign aims to raise even more in 2021.
Will Aid is currently recruiting solicitors in the Birmingham and West Midlands area, where there has already been lots of demand from people who would like to use the scheme to prepare their will. To raise the profile of your business, meet new clients and help charities bounce back from the impact of the pandemic, we ask you to sign up today.
Solicitor firms which are interested in taking part in Will Aid 2021 can find more information and register on the campaign’s website. Those who have any questions can contact the Will Aid team directly, who will be happy to help.