A leading law firm has donated $14,000 to seven charitable causes, as part of a 12-year commitment to support local organisations.

Money for the donations were raised by the Conyers Dill and Pearman Staff Benevolent Fund. The fund was set up in 2002 and has so far given more than $374,000 to the local community.

Jennifer Williams, chairwoman of the Fund’s board, said: “Participating staff in Bermuda make standing donations each month which is matched by the firm’s directors.

“It is remarkable how combining seemingly small donations by a large group of caring individuals can have such a positive impact in supporting the local community and how much we have been able to accomplish.

“Our people should be acknowledged not only for what we have been able to achieve through the Staff Benevolent Fund but also in the ways our staff and the firm actively give their time and resources to support other causes in our community.

“The fund was originally conceived as a way for Conyers to make charitable donations and involve its Bermuda staff in helping the community. Any donation from a member of staff is matched by the firm, with a limit of $100,000.”

A total of 180 donations have been made since the fund was established.

Charities that have benefited in the past include Age Concern, PALS, Meals on Wheels, WindReach, the Bermuda Society for the Blind and the Salvation Army.

The firm has supported more than 105 different charities and organisations that provide services and meet the needs of the people within the community.

“We definitely try to balance our giving so that we support a broad sector of our community as much as possible, including young people, the elderly, the poor, the environment, education and arts.”

Ms Williams, Conyers’ Information Resources Manager, added: “The donations we made will hopefully make a big difference to the recipient organisations and the people they help, especially with Christmas so close.”

Charities benefiting this season include Age Concern, Southampton Rangers Sports Club, The Eliza DoLittle Society, The Bermuda Mental Health Foundation, Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School, and the Bermuda Sub-Aqua Club.

The Board decided it was also fitting to provide some support for Derika Young and her daughter, Kandace, who is suffers from a heart condition and has been undergoing medical treatment in the US.