Good causes
Dating back to our origins in the Nineteenth Century, RJR has always aspired to be something more than just another law firm.
For years we had a strong reputation for charitable work based upon the Christian ethos of the various managing partners. Thereafter we were first firm on the Island to gain a Legal Aid contract and to provide free legal services for those otherwise unable to afford them.
In recent years the firm has instituted a quarterly ‘good cause draw’. Staff and local organisations are invited to nominate their favourite good cause. These then go into the RJR ‘hat’ with a sizable donation made to the cause which is drawn out.
Recent ‘winners’ include:
Friends of Binstead
Nominated by Michele Kelleway and Jemma Jones, the fundraising body for Binstead Primary School received a cheque for £300 in October to put towards new sports kit.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Ian Pratt’s nomination. Our contribution is going towards the production of the Trust’s (Fiftieth Anniversary) 2012 fundraising calendar. Ian has also ‘starred’ in a recent video on the Trust’s website highlighting the benefits of charitable legacies in Wills: www.hwt.org.uk/pages/leave-a-gift-in-your-will.html
Stillbirth and Neo-Natal Death Society
In mid June 2011 Andrew Hatch raised over £1,300 for SANDS having completed a London-Paris charity bicycle ride. Madman that he is, Andrew even rode from the IW to the starting line in London!
Christ the King College
We were able to help buy the school rugby team new kit in January 2011 It is worth noting that Head of our Family Department, Hannah Lisseter, looks barely older than the team in this photo!
http://www.christ-the-king.iow.sch.uk
Earl Mountbatten Hospice
In October 2010 Joy Furmidge both suggested and marshalled our participation in the Hospice’s ‘Go Yellow’ fundraising day. In total nearly £800 was raised - which won the Isle of Wight Radio’s contest for ‘biggest local business contribution’. In July 2011 a further £350 was raised through the sale of yellow cakes – despite Joy being in Greece at the time..!
http://www.iwhospice.org/default.aspx
St Mary’s Hospital Maternity Room
At the suggestion of Ellen Bond, the firm contributed to furnishing a special room to be set aside for parents to use on the maternity wing of St Mary’s when things go wrong.
http://www.iow.nhs.uk/index.asp?record=1189
East Cowes Vics Under 11s Football Team
Following an approach by Ian Cass we were happy to sponsor the 2010-11 kit of one of the most successful youth teams on the Island.
http://www.eastcowesvics.co.uk/
Isle of Wight Diabetic Association
At the suggestion of Joy Furmidge a contribution was made to the local Diabetic Association. Joy had already run a marathon for them in 2008.