The Birmingham office for European law firm, Fieldfisher, will donate funds to its chosen charity, Zoe’s Place, as part of an annual company-wide programme supporting communities across the UK and Europe.
Launched in February 2023, Fieldfisher’s ‘One Firm Action’ initiative represents a sustained effort by the firm’s international network to address local community issues and create a positive impact across the 12 countries it operates within.
The programme saw all of Fieldfisher’s 26 offices actively participate in fundraising efforts throughout 2023, to be donated to charities of their choice. The Birmingham team selected Coventry-based hospice, Zoe’s Place, to receive the £17,968 raised, which was matched by the firm to result in a total contribution of £35,936.
Zoe’s Place is a vital institution providing specialised care and support for babies and infants up to the ages of five. The hospice extends its services not only to the children, but also supports families through the staging of events and activities.
Unlike many healthcare facilities, Zoe’s Place operates with limited funding from central authorities and, as a result, relies on charitable donations to sustain its operations and provide the highest level of care and support to families in need.
Over the course of the year, Birmingham colleagues have engaged in a wide range of community-focused activities to work towards, and exceed, its £15,000 fundraising target. In addition to bake sales, car washes and book sales, the team has participated in a variety of events, from open water swims, to part of the Heart of England Way 160km walk and the Leicestershire Wolf Run.
The One Firm Action initiative was one of the leadership pledges from Managing Partner, Robert Shooter, to empower colleagues to engage with various charitable causes across Europe and beyond. The firm’s collective efforts raised over £250,000, and with the partnership’s commitment to match funds up to £250,000, the total collective donation reached over £500,000.
Fieldfisher’s Birmingham office efforts were celebrated at the company’s annual ‘Just Purpose’ ceremony, where it received the “Team Award”, as part of an event that acknowledged the firm’s achievements across pro bono, community and sustainability activities from the past 12 months.
Ranjit Dhindsa, Birmingham Office Leader and Head of Employment, Pensions, Immigration and Compliance (EPIC) at Fieldfisher, said: “The team has worked hard over the last 12 months to surpass our fundraising target, which demonstrates how “people first” is a real lived value for us, as we encourage diversity and collaboration to work towards a shared goal.
“Following a visit to the hospice, where we had the opportunity to speak to staff and the families they support, it was clear to see the importance of the work Zoe’s Place provided, and the entire office was proud to select it as our chosen charity.
“Our devotion to making a positive impact doesn’t end with One Firm Action. We are committed to sustaining our support for Zoe’s Place through a series of events throughout the Christmas period and into the New Year, and I hope our donations will help in making a difference to young children and families across the West Midlands.”