Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has pledged its support to Plymouth Children in Poverty's Story Telling and Book Gifting project. Plymouth Children in Poverty (PCIP) is WBD's chosen charity in Plymouth this year.

The firm's latest donation of £2,500 will be used to gift books to children in 27 primary schools in Plymouth. Throughout October and November, WBD staff will also volunteer to take part in story telling activities in classrooms.

Clare Elliott, responsible business lead in WBD's Plymouth office, commented: 

"WBD Plymouth is delighted to be supporting Plymouth Children in Poverty's Story Telling and Book Gifting project. Reading can help children escape to another world on an adventure and we hope our donation will make it possible for more households in the area to enjoy reading together.

"Our team of 12 story tellers are looking forward to joining children in classrooms across Plymouth over the next couple of months to encourage reading and promote sharing story time as an enjoyable activity for families."

Kerry Bidewell, Development Manager at Plymouth Children in Poverty, added: 

“It is a pleasure working with the WBD Plymouth office. The enthusiasm and determination the team offer this project is incredible with not only funding but the donation of their time and passion. With this unique combination of support, PCIP has been able to expand the project and will reach, excite and gift books to almost 1000 children.”

WBD is heavily involved in a strong responsible business programme in Plymouth, supporting a number of charities, community projects and initiatives. As part of the firm's social inclusion and 3Es responsible business strategy to drive Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship across the UK, WBD works with local schools and organisations in the community to bridge the digital divide. During the pandemic, the firm made a large donation of laptops to support those pupils home-schooling who had no access to technology.

In an effort to tackle food poverty throughout the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, the firm also donated £30,000 to foodbanks and other food charities across the UK.