Oldham law firm raises an amazing £28k following charity will-writing scheme

Oldham-based Touch Solicitors has raised a staggering £28,092 after taking part in a charity will-writing scheme, making them the top fundraising firm in the North West and the second highest across the UK.

The Will Aid campaign involves participating solicitors volunteering their time and expertise to write a basic Will, waiving their usual fees, and instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to Will Aid.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, the donations help Will Aid’s nine partner charities to continue their life-changing work both at home and abroad.

Touch Solicitors, which has taken part in the Will Aid charity campaign for 11 years, has raised an impressive £39,234 in that time.

Trusha Velji, director of the firm, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached this significant milestone since joining the Will Aid campaign.

"We take part every single year.

"I have done whether it’s been in this practice for the last 13 years or the previous practices that I’ve worked for.

"I think it’s incredible what the scheme’s about.

“Also, we have a corporate responsibility to help people and help charities.

"We’re supporting not just one charity, but nine amazing charities who otherwise are relying on donations.

"This way we’re helping these charities and helping clients at the same time.

"It’s a win for all.”

Will Aid has raised more than £24 million in donations, and many millions more in pledged legacies, for the nine partner charities since it launched in 1988.

Jonathan Chase, chair of Will Aid, said: “Year after year, we are blown away by the generosity of solicitors who choose to volunteer their time and expertise to raise money for Will Aid. 

“Our nine partner charities rely on donations and the money raised during this campaign will provide vital support to help continue life-changing work both here in the UK and around the world.”

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director, said: “Thanks to the commitment of local solicitors that take part in Will Aid campaign, 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 will created by professionals.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Touch Solicitors for their incredible efforts.”

Will Aid takes place every November and participating solicitors give their time and expertise to make a Will for clients, who are then invited to make a donation to Will Aid.

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 (Northern Ireland).

The suggested voluntary donation for a basic Will Aid will is £100 for a single Will and £180 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

Many firms will be able to write wills at a distance via phone or online consultations, so wherever you are in the country, you can get your will written through Will Aid.

Participating firms can be contacted directly for more information now too.

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