Berry Smith LLP, a leading provider of legal services, has been raising money for 2 chosen charities.

In 2021, Berry Smith who support clients across both offices in Cardiff and Bridgend, supported Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale and Shelter Cymru through a number of fundraising activities and at the end of the year split the proceeds of its efforts between the two charities.

In April 2021 the staff of Berry Smith undertook the task of completing the Virtual Three Peaks Challenge. All staff members used the weekend to cover a total distance of 462 miles, a distance equivalent to climbing the Three Peaks and the distance between them by either walking, running or cycling.

By the end of the weekend, the team had covered a total of 601 miles, with an elevation gain of 22,999 feet.

Jeff Hawkins, CEO of Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale, said “The funds raised by the efforts of Berry Smith staff have made a huge difference to the lonely and isolated older people that our volunteers support.  We work with people who are usually over 80 years of age, living alone with limited family support, so our volunteers play a vital role, particularly through the challenging Covid lockdown period. A massive thanks to everyone who got involved”

In December 2021, the team held their second fundraising event of the year in the form of a Christmas Extravaganza, wearing Christmas jumpers, baking Christmas bakes and holding an incredible raffle with prizes donated by local businesses which included:

• Meal vouchers from The Chapel, Llanerch Vineyard and The Purple Poppadom;
• Next vouchers and gifts;
• Christmas hampers;
• Gifts from Wooden Tops Furniture;
• Llanelli Scarlets tickets;

and so much more.

Penny Salter, fundraising officer at Shelter Cymru gave the thank you below on behalf of the charity:

“Thank you so much to Berry Smith and the wonderful staff who have joined us in the fight against homelessness in Wales and supported us over the last year. The continued impact of Covid and the cost of living crisis means that demand on Shelter Cymru’s services has never been higher, the money fundraised by Berry Smith will help us continue to provide vital advice and support to those at risk, or already homeless. Thank you!”

During the course of the year, the firm raised a total of £3423.00 which was split equally to give £1711.50 to each charity.

Chris Beames, Managing Partner at Berry Smith said “Berry Smith takes its corporate responsibility very seriously and has an established Corporate Social Responsibility committee whose remit includes organising fundraising events for our annually chosen charities. We were delighted to be able to help two very deserving charities last year – Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale and Shelter Cymru – and are looking forward to a successful 2022 when we will support two others”

In addition to its fundraising efforts, in 2021 members of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at Berry Smith also volunteered at Shelter Cymru’s ‘Live Under the Stars’ events demonstrating the firm’s commitment to giving back to the community.

In 2022, the firm has chosen Tenovus Cancer Care and Maggie’s Cardiff as its charities and hopes to build on the success of 2021.