Debenhams Ottaway supports Hertfordshire charities at local crowdfunding event

Debenhams Ottaway was among over 100 donors at The Funding Network’s latest crowd funding event in St Albans earlier this month. TFN support social change projects through live “crowdfunding” to raise money for charities.

Andrew Yates, corporate partner at Debenhams Ottaway, and member of the firm’s charity sector, was on the panel of judges selecting 3 charities from the many who pitched, to go forward on the night for the live crowdfunding event. The chosen charities were

• Herts Welcomes Syrian Families who provide a range of assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in Hertfordshire.
• The Dacorum Community Trust who assist local families and individuals who are disadvantaged through illness, loss of employment or other difficult circumstances.
• The Herts Inclusive Theatre who work with disabled and non-disabled children, young people and adults using drama, movement, music and theatre techniques to help build people’s confidence, communication skills and to encourage and build social inclusion.

Each of the charities had a 12-minute time slot, split equally into a pitch and a question and answer session. After all the charity representatives had spoken, a live crowdfunding pledging session followed.

Managing Partner, Susan Glenholme of Debenhams Ottaway Solicitors says “We were thrilled to support the Herts TFN event for the fourth year running. It is a great way to raise funds for the local charities and we hope that our support is a benefit to the charities and their development.  As one of the largest law firms in Hertfordshire, we strongly believe in supporting our local community. This was recently recognised when the firm won the Corporate Social Responsibility award at the at the St Albans Chamber of Commerce Business Community awards.”