Category: Awards

Awards, News

RJS Foundation Launch

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TRENTHAM-based RJS Solicitors have kicked off the new year by launching their own foundation to give away cash to good causes.

Community groups, charities and other not-for-profit organisations can now apply for a portion from an annual pot.

Awards from the RJS Foundation, to be in the region of £500 each for or towards specific projects, will be handed out every three months on a rolling programme.

And unlike many organisations which rely on their employees to identify recipients, the RJS Foundation is looking for community groups to identify themselves.

The foundation board is chaired by Hanford and Trentham City Councillor Rachel Kelsall and also includes Stoke South MP Jack Brereton, businessman Andrew Hustwit and three members of RJS staff.

Cllr Kelsall said: “I’m honoured to be chair of an organisation which is going to deliver real benefits, particularly at this time as coronavirus continues to present serious challenges for us all.

“Action speaks louder than words and the team at RJS who have a true and genuine mission to make a difference in our area. Much thought and diligence has gone into setting up the foundation and we are excited to get up and running.”

MP Brereton added: “Our community groups do amazing work and this fantastic initiative will support their efforts. It’s great to see a local business giving back to the area.”

Grants, which can be used to fund all or part of projects, are available to groups based in the south of Stoke-on-Trent and Stone, with the post codes of ST3, ST4, ST5, ST11, ST12 and ST15.

The application process is online only at www.rjs-foundation.com and is now open. If anyone requires further information they should contact Georgia Mitchell – (01782) 646320 or foundation@rjssolicitors.com – for further details.

Awards

Hillside Community Gym

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MEMBERS at a Cheadle-based gym have thanked a Stoke-on-Trent law firm for helping them to make the most of their expanding facilities.

Hillside Community Gym has continued to flourish despite the Covid-19 crisis and a £500 donation from RJS Solicitors in Trentham has provided a further boost.

A new mezzanine floor has been built to increase the space available for socially-distanced classes, which previously had to take place outdoors during coronavirus restrictions.

And with winter now beginning to bite, club leader Andy Price is delighted the gym, at Draycott Cross Road, is fit to look after their members – and able to welcome more in the new year.

Andy said: “It was great of RJS to make such a generous donation. We are run by volunteers and sponsorship like this is very important to us.

“Our building is basically an industrial unit and the new floor means we have increased our indoor capacity to a maximum.

“Like all gyms, we always have an influx of new members in January when many people make a new year’s resolution to get fit.

“Being able to hold classes indoors is obviously essential during the winter and we are very pleased our facilities will now be able to cope with demand.”

The donation was the first of many to be made by RJS, who are setting up the RJS Foundation to award an initial £10,000 each year to community groups and other good causes.

Most payouts are likely to be in the region of £500 for each successful applicant, with the grants committee meeting in February, August and October.

Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, and Rachel Kelsall, Stoke-on-Trent City Councillor for Trentham, will join RJS staff members on the foundation board.

Councillor Kelsall, who chairs the board, said: “The RJS foundation will deliver real benefits which will be even more poignant after such a difficult year in 2020.”

MP Brereton said: “RJS deserve huge credit for supporting our communities. It’s great to see a local business giving back to the area.”

Applications for the RJS Foundation grants are invited now and interested groups, which must be based in Staffordshire, should contact Georgia Mitchell – (01782) 646320 or Georgia@rjssolicitors.com – for further details.