DLA Piper Australia was recognised for raising over $52,000 for UNICEF Australia through a variety of challenges, which included teams from DLA Piper Australia running the City2Surf and the Bridge to Brisbane as well as a team participating in a gruelling nine day trek across the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia.
“We’re delighted to be recognised by JustGiving, and proud of all our people who ran, walked or trekked to raise funds for UNICEF,” said DLA Piper’s Sydney Managing Partner, Onno Bakker.
“Colleagues across all levels of the firm rallied together to support one another’s fundraising efforts. As a global firm, it is wonderful to be part of a partnership with UNICEF, with more than US$1m raised and US$3.3m of pro bono work contributed globally,” he commented.
Nikki Kinloch, JustGiving’s Australia Country Director, said that the team at JustGiving were delighted that DLA Piper Australia won the award. “They have put in an incredible amount of effort across various offices and fundraising events to support UNICEF Australia and are very worthwhile recipients of this year’s award,” she said.
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water & sanitation, and basic education for all.
Norman Gillespie, CEO of UNICEF Australia, said: “DLA Piper and UNICEF offices across the globe have been working together to protect the rights of children within juvenile justice systems. The funds raised by the DLA Piper Australia team will significantly contribute to this partnership, helping us protect the rights of many more children worldwide. DLA Piper have been recognised as Just Giving’s corporate fundraiser of the year, which is justly deserved. UNICEF is proud and privileged to partner with DLA Piper”.