A LAW firm in Kincardineshire has raised £2,780 to support nine different charities by volunteering their time and expertise to write people’s wills in exchange for charitable donations. Solicitors at Smith Solicitors gave up their time in November to take part in Will Aid, an annual charity Will-writing campaign which raises vital funds and gives people the reassurance that having a professionally written Will brings.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, the donations will help the charities continue their life-changing work both at home and abroad.
The firm’s participation in the 2022 campaign means they have been taking partin the scheme for over 20 years and raised more than £22,000 in total.
Ronald Forbes, a partner in the firm, said: “We’re delighted to have taken part in Will Aid. It benefits not only those without a Will but also supports nineimportant causes.
“Our team are proud to have helped some of the millions of people in the UK without a Will, giving them access to a professional to draw up this important document.
“Knowing the donations we raise help nine charities to continue their vital work is a great feeling and it’s rewarding for everyone involved to be able to make a difference.”
Will Aid takes place every November, and participating solicitors volunteer their time and expertise and waive their fee for writing a basic Will. It has raised more than £24 million in donations and many millions more in pledged legacies since it launched.
Jonathan Chase, chair of Will Aid, said: “We are so grateful to all the solicitors who gave their time to write Wills and all those that wrote their Wills through the campaign and made a donation, for their generous support.
“It has been a challenging few years for everyone, but thanks to the generous support of participating firms, we are on our way to getting the campaign back to where it was pre-pandemic.
“The nine partner charities use the donations raised during Will Aid, and the legacies left by will makers, to help transform the lives of people in need for the better, both here in the UK and around the world.”
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 (N. Ireland).
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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. Some firms will only be offering their services remotely. Participating firms can be contacted directly for more information.
