Wards makes three donations from charitable fund - 25 May 2006

 One year after the initial announcement of its Centenary Fund (a charitable fund to commemorate the firm’s 100 year anniversary), Wards Solicitors have reached their target sum and have started to make donations to local charities. 

In a recent ceremony, Jenny Pierce, Wards’ Head of Wills & Trusts and the force behind the scheme, handed over cheques to each of three local charities chosen by the firm to receive donations from the Fund. 

The first was a cheque for £1,100 to The Centre for Deaf People. The charity provides the location and projects where young deaf people can meet regularly for social and educational purposes, allowing them to be educated, empowered and expressive, and encouraging them to participate in games and events.

Ian Glover, a youth worker for The Centre for Deaf People (pictured above) says: “We are very grateful to Wards for their donation. The grant will go towards running a play and youth scheme for children aged 6-17, which is open to any deaf/hard of hearing youth in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath & North East Somerset and North Somerset. It will be the only one in these areas.”

The second donation for £1,000 was to Prison! Me! No Way!, part of the No Way Trust. The Bristol charity runs Crime and Safety Awareness Days for Secondary schools and/or disaffected groups, in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations. The day involves drama, fun, music and role play. Wards’ donation will be used to set up a Crime and Safety Awareness Day in a secondary school in the Bristol area.

Finally, Wards gave £1,000 to The South Gloucestershire Bond Scheme. This scheme provides deposit guarantees (bonds), for people who are homeless and on a low income. In addition, they give advice on housing and other related issues, offer client support and resettlement and provide support for young people. 

Quartet Community Foundation (formerly The Greater Bristol Foundation) is administering the fund. The capital is invested and each year the income will be used to make grants to support voluntary organisations in the Greater Bristol and North Somerset area – where Wards have eleven offices.