Womble Bond Dickinson’s Team Dishes Out Kindness at The People’s Kitchen
The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle have benefited from a whole host of community minded employers who have encouraged their teams to volunteer their skills to help others. One such firm is Womble Bond Dickinson, a leading international law firm that works across 11 key sectors from real estate and financial institutions to technology and energy and natural resources. The firm is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves, supporting charitable initiatives across the UK and beyond.
Kristie Miller, a solicitor at Womble Bond Dickinson and her colleagues have been actively volunteering at The People’s Kitchen giving essential support to vulnerable people. Located just steps away from their Newcastle office, the firm has built a meaningful partnership with The People’s Kitchen, making it their chosen charity for the year.
“At Womble Bond Dickinson, each of our UK offices selects a charity to support, and the overwhelming choice in Newcastle was The People’s Kitchen,” said Kristie. “Our proximity to the charity’s location allows us to see their work firsthand, and we’re able to be there quickly when needed. Our team members feel a real connection to the work they do.”
Throughout the year, Womble Bond Dickinson employees have participated in a variety of initiatives to support The People’s Kitchen. Every employee has two days annually they can dedicate to volunteer work, and the Newcastle office specifically dedicates one day each month to volunteering at The People’s Kitchen. From stocking shelves to assisting with food preparation and delivery intake, their efforts provide much-needed hands-on support. Additionally, the team organises donation drives and fundraising events, such as an upcoming static cycle challenge in February to raise essential funds.
“We also respond to the immediate needs of The People’s Kitchen. For instance, at Easter, we donated over 350 Easter eggs for the charity’s friends, and recently we provided over £2,500 worth of sleeping bags and mats,” Kristie shared.
Volunteering at The People’s Kitchen has not only strengthened community ties but has also been beneficial for Womble Bond Dickinson employees. “It’s very different from desk work, and people come away with a sense of fulfilment and admiration for the important work being done here,” Kristie explained. “It builds teamwork and teaches new skills, all while making a difference.”
When asked what advice she would give other businesses, Kristie said, “I would encourage everyone to get involved however they can. The People’s Kitchen is a fantastic organisation, and any time you can give is valuable. It’s a cause worth supporting, and it brings our team pride to be part of it.”
People’s Kitchen Trustee Maggie Pavlou said: “We are incredibly grateful for the volunteering done by Womble Bond Dickinson and many other businesses that support us. By donating time businesses increase their reputation for corporate social responsibility as well as giving their staff an increased sense of well-being.”
With the holiday season approaching, Womble Bond Dickinson is helping promote The People’s Kitchen’s annual “Feed a Friend for a Fiver” appeal, a fundraising effort to ensure meals and support are available to those in need during the winter months.
Donations to the 2024 “Feed a Friend for a Fiver” campaign can be made through The People’s Kitchen website at www.peopleskitchen.org.uk or via the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/faffaf-2024. Every £5 donated will make a real difference, ensuring someone in need receives a hot meal and a moment of care this Christmas.
