Thursfields helps Black Country Women’s Aid as part of Rotarians’ Christmas Appeal

A team of Thursfields staff put their woolly scarves and gloves on to help Black Country Women’s Aid as part of the local Rotarians’ Christmas Appeal. Halesowen & Rowley Regis Rotary supports Black Country Women’s Aid and many other charities.

A cash donation and a generous variety of toys, gifts and toiletries were collected in a partnership between Thursfields Solicitors and Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club.

Members of Thursfields’ Junior Lawyer Committee helped to collect the donations when Santa visited local streets on his Rotary Sleigh, to the delight of children.

Thursfields staff involved in the sleigh collections included Charlotte Perry, Georgia Morris, Katie Morris, Kirsty Underhill, Nicola Pearce, Priya Ohri and Julie Cahill. The presents and cheque were handed over to Black Country Women’s Aid by Santa himself.

Pam Arrowsmith, a specialist family solicitor at Thursfields’ Halesowen office, said: “Thursfields and Thursfields young lawyers have been glad to support the Rotary Club’s Santa sleigh collections and have donated their part of the collection to Black Country Women’s Aid this year. Both organisations provide invaluable help to local people in times of need.”

John Cartwright, President of Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club, said: “We are very pleased to support Black Country Women’s Aid as part of Rotary’s Christmas Appeal. It does important work for the local community and its dedicated staff provide a vital service for those in urgent need of protection. Black Country Women’s Aid is one of the many charities supported by The Rotary Christmas Appeal”

Debbie Slater, from Black Country Women’s Aid, said: “When women and children arrive at our refuge they usually only have what they are wearing, and so demand is always great for toiletries, toys and food. We are truly thankful for this help from Thursfields Solicitors and Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club, and for the generosity of the public who have made Christmas special for those in refuge.”

Black Country Women’s Aid began as Sandwell Women’s 30 years ago when a few local ladies from West Bromwich opened a small refuge for women and children living in fear to escape violence and sexual abuse.

The charity now has six refuges which last year supported more than 8,000 women and their children by providing a safe and welcoming place to stay.

Ms Slater added: “Refuge is more than just a bed; we give specialist support to help these families get back on their feet, helping to rebuild lives and overcome trauma.”