Law students in the Queen Mary Student Pro Bono Group have raised nearly £2,800, for the Whitechapel Mission.
It's the highest amount ever raised by the group whose fund raising efforts in 2009-10 included personalised hoodies, a dodgeball tournament and doughnut sales. The students even had a sponsored sleep out, where they slept all night outside Drapers Bar to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people.
The Whitechapel Mission is a charity dedicated to relieving poverty among street homeless people in London by providing accommodation, advice and support.
The Queen Mary Student Pro Bono group has worked closely with the Whitechapel Mission for many years. Students from the group volunteer at the mission every fortnight during term time. The volunteers are involved in a range of activities from ‘the kitchen challenge’ to the ‘life skills workshop’.
Laura-May Scott, current President of the Queen Mary Pro Bono Group, said: “The mission is a wonderful place, run by brilliant people for a fantastic cause. Volunteering for the Whitechapel Mission gives students the chance to take a break from law and do something ‘good for the soul’. It can even be a good networking opportunity as lawyers from large city firms often attend the placements.”
Speaking on behalf of the 2009-10 student committee, Laura added: “We are particularly proud of the amount raised last year and thank everyone who contributed, however big or small.”
For more information about the Queen Mary Student Pro Bono group law placement or volunteering opportunities visit the Queen Mary Pro Bono website qmprobono.org