October 10, 2019

Colleagues at RWK Goodman mark World Homeless Day by donating over £55,000 to charity partners

The international campaign takes place today (Thursday 10 October). It has been acknowledged since 2010 by people around the world in a variety of ways to change the lives of homeless people in their local communities.

As well as reflecting on local homeless issues and those affected by them, staff at the law firm have handed over £18,900 each to Julian House in Bath, Crisis in London and Emmaus in Oxford. The three organisations are the 2019-2021 charity partners for the different offices, as voted for by staff earlier in the year.

The donations have received a warm welcome from each of the charities, with the money already earmarked for the different projects.

At Julian House, the funds will be spent on revamping the kitchen in their central Bath shelter, while at Crisis the donation will help purchase a tonometer which is an eye care machine used to diagnose the disease glaucoma as well as essential items including sleeping bags, camp beds and underwear for their Crisis at Christmas project. At Emmaus, the money will go towards purchasing a van to help expand their furniture upcycling project from their workshop and store in Oxford.

Nicola Radcliffe, head of RWK Goodman’s charities group, said: “Our charity partners play an important role in the lives of many people who live in our local communities. Our lawyers and staff vote for which organisation to support, so all of us see the donations as a brilliant opportunity to fund practical items and outcomes which will make a tangible difference.

“This year’s international campaign day comes just a week after the news that a record number of homeless people died last year. Therefore our efforts to support our partners will continue apace this autumn and winter, with our plans to hold ongoing volunteering days with the charities. All our staff are encouraged to take advantage of the two volunteer days that we offer them every year. ‘Gifting expertise’ is something we’re encouraging in particular at present, so we have the opportunity to provide enduring support as well as immediate practical help.”

Today also sees World Mental Health Day taking place with a focus on global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

Nicola added: “At RWK Goodman, we have implemented many wellbeing in the workplace initiatives in conjunction with the charity Mind as a strategic priority. Many people who live on the streets have multiple needs beyond their lack of a home, including mental illness. We therefore hope very much that some of the mental wellbeing skills developed by our people can also be put to good use while working with our charity partners.”

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