Member Article

Leeds law firm staff in aid convoy to Bulgaria

Two members of staff from a Leeds-based solicitors will be taking aid to one of the world’s most deprived areas next month as part of an annual convoy.

Allison Chatto and Amanda Davis from Simpson Millar Solicitors will join the 10-strong lorry convoy taking basic items to children in Bulgaria, a country where 1.6 million people earn less than £100 per month. Almost 60 per cent of Bulgaria’s children are deprived of what UNICEF considers elementary for a healthy childhood.

Allison and Amanda are part of a coalition of companies, led by the Communication Workers’ Union Humanitarian Aid organisation (CWUHA), who are preparing to deliver aid to those children most in need.

The convoy is manned by volunteers from Royal Mail, BT, Leeds-based Simpson Millar and other supporters with the aid being delivered directly to schools, single-parent hostels, hospitals, orphanages and families in need. Thanks to the way the convoy operates, donors and supporters are assured that contributions reach those most in need.

Speaking about the 4000-mile round trip, Allison Chatto, from Simspon Millar Solicitors, explained: “The lorry and all the aid carried inside it is funded by Simpson Millar and private donations. By personally delivering it all we can guarantee that those in most desperate need benefit from the kindness of businesses and individuals alike. I even take pictures en-route to show what a real difference a teddy bear or new pair of shoes can make.

“This has been the most difficult year for us so far in terms of drumming up support for the convoy. With just one month to go, our lorry is only half full and we have to pull out all the stops to make sure not even a single sq ft sits bare by the time we leave.”

Simpson Millar solicitors have been involved with the aid mission for over fifteen years with staff volunteers taking part in some way every year.

Managing partner, Peter Watson, commented: “Having made the journey as part of the convoy myself, I have seen first-hand how the faces of children light up when they catch a first glimpse of the convoy. The aid that the CWUHA delivers is absolutely invaluable and as a firm we will continue to throw our support behind the campaign. It is a charity that we are firmly committed to and I wish Allison and Amanda all the best of luck on this year’s journey.”

The convoy is due to depart from Dover on 6 September. To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/SimpsonMillarCharityConvoy

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Addison .