Virtual bingo and an online quiz were among the working from home-inspired events staged by Bristol law firm Barcan+Kirby raise more than £11,300 for its charity of the year, 1625 Independent People.
The firm chose the charity, which supports young people who are homeless, leaving care or at risk of homelessness across the South West, in 2020 and continued to support it last year. 
As well as new initiatives such as the virtual quiz and virtual bingo and old favourites such as a Christmas raffle and an auction, two Barcan+Kirby employees ran last year’s Bristol Half Marathon while, in 2020, one staff member committed to run every single day through the initial lockdown, raising £1,500.
As well as raising a total of £11,366, last November employees across Barcan+Kirby’s six offices were asked to bring in items to donate to the charity for the ‘Wellness Packs’ 1625ip gives to service users when they are placed in their new home.
Barcan+Kirby head of marketing and business development Lucy Harttrup said: “We have been so happy to support 1625ip and the work that it does over the last two years.
“The pandemic has had such a huge impact on charities and we were pleased to come up with inventive and engaging ways to raise funds whilst we were not all in the office together.
“As a high street law firm we are passionate about supporting local charities and organisations.”
1625ip strives for a world where all young people have a safe place, trusted adults to turn to, and can access the opportunities they deserve.
It not only provide safe and stable accommodation, it ensures young people can build and maintain healthy relationships, access jobs and training, and develop independent living skills, by providing early intervention, practical and emotional support.
The charity’s fundraising and events coordinator Saffron Dixon said: “We are so grateful for Barcan+Kirby’s continued support throughout the pandemic.
“Fundraising is hugely important to us, as it directly funds work such as mental health coaching and supporting young people into employment.
“We absolutely rely on fundraising, such as that from businesses like Barcan and Kirby, in order to provide this vital support to young people.”
Barcan+Kirby provides legal advice and guidance to individuals and businesses across the South West and nationally from its offices in Queen Square, Bedminster, Bishopston, Clifton, Kingswood and Thornbury.
Pictured: Lucy Harttrup of Barcan+Kirby, left, with 1625ip’s Saffron Dixon
