Values into Community Action - Tyler Foundation

Values into Community Action | 2007-2008
This year we have set up a project with a team from the Banking department (B3) lead by the B3 Pro Bono Board
consisting of Jacqueline evans, tracey Jepson, Mark Wesseldine, Janie tremblay and Fiona Cumming.
The project will encompass a wide variety of activities; in particular, members of B3 will be making regular visits
to the centre to help supervise activities. This allows staff to accommodate more children at peak times as
the adult-to-child ratio is increased. It also acts as a team-building opportunity for the different strands of the
B3 department including partners, associates, paralegals, trainees and PAs.
This year we have also donated £5,000 to the centre’s Karate project and Three Year Sports programme. The
Karate project will accommodate a Tuesday karate class for ladies only; and the sports programme is being set up
with the long-term goal of getting young people into sport on a regular basis with access to facilities around London
that they would otherwise not be able to use.
IsLe OF DOGs COMMUnItY FOUnDAtIOn
The Isle of Dogs Community Foundation (IDCF) is an effective link between the voluntary, corporate and statutory
sectors working within the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar area of East London. It helps to focus priorities
on addressing local needs and assists local groups in seeking funds from the corporate sector. Despite the
establishment and growth of the Canary Wharf business district, these areas are still among some of the most
deprived wards in the UK.
James McRobbie, an associate in Securitisation acts as company secretary for the IDCF: “IDCF is an important
organisation which has a significant impact on the quality of life for people living within the Isle of Dogs and South Poplar
area. It is a pleasure to work so closely with such a motivated Board of Trustees who represent other high-profile
businesses based in the Canary Wharf Estate and other key voluntary sector organisations in the local community.”
Allen & Overy supports the IDCF throughout the year on various projects:
Island exchange Project
In September 2007, we ran a clothing and toy appeal for baby goods to help with the Island Exchange Project. A&O
staff were extremely generous with their donations which included 45 books, 20 toys, 20 pairs of shoes, 7 sterilisers,
1 cot, 1 crib, 2 bouncy chairs and many bags of clothes and pre-school toys. The exchange project allows families to
borrow baby goods and clothes which they would not otherwise be able to afford. Many of the items have also been
distributed amongst local community groups such as the Barkantine Social Housing Partnership (which runs play
groups) and the Isle of Dogs Children’s Centres. With thanks to Caroline Fletcher, Gemma Birt, Ali Dawson and
Joanna Hughes for making generous donations.
Over 50s tea Dance
After the success of last year’s tea dance, we
sponsored the event again this year. The event was
held at George Green’s School in the Isle of Dogs. The
hall was decked out with pink and gold balloons. Each
round table was laden with cakes and sandwiches.
Volunteers from A&O really got into the spirit of the
afternoon and waltzed and danced with the elders. The
line dancing proved most popular. The MC (and expert
dance instructor) for the event was Ken Moran and he
was accompanied by the DJ, Billy House.
Staff brave enough to put their dancing shoes on were:
Gergana Avramova, Michelle Blythe, Corinne Brett,
Gwen Brookes, suzanne Dodd, James McRobbie,
Rachel nicholson, Helen Rogers, Amy Rowe, emma shaw, terri Wipperman and Amanda Woods.
James McRobbie commented, “The annual tea dance provides a rare opportunity for the elders of the Isle of Dogs
community to come together. Everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion.”
62 © Allen & Overy LLP 2008