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New Zealand law firms continue to dominate their Australian counterparts in the ALB Christmas Initiative having raised enough money to donate a donkey to impoverished communities, while Australian firms have barely raised enough to buy 10 chickens between them.

The ALB Christmas Initiative is a fast, easy and free way that lawyers in Australia and New Zealand can help make the world a better place. All lawyers have to do is spend one minute filling out their details and A$2.25 is donated by ALB to World Vision to buy donkeys and chickens for people struggling in the poorest parts of the world.

Minter Ellison Rudd Watts has filled out enough forms for A$144 to be donated to World Vision placing them firmly in the top spot ahead of HopgoodGanim (A$45) and Bell Gully (A$40.50). Minter Ellison Rudd Watts senior associate Jeremy Patston said that people in the firm were impressed by the “worthy appeal” and that he was amazed by the enthusiasm with which they got involved.

“I think it struck a chord that people could make a tangible difference by donating only a few moments of their time,” he said. “And the fact that there is a competitive element to it probably doesn’t hurt either.”

After filling out their details, lawyers can send the link on to colleagues and get some friendly competition going between the firms to see which firm cares the most. The big winners, however, will be the communities that receive the gifts from the initiative.

Four forms filled out result in one chicken and chicken feed being bought for an impoverished community. One hundred forms filled out buys the community a donkey to be used in agricultural activities.

ALB will announce the top contributing law firm from Australia and New Zealand and how many donkeys and chickens they have bought for the impoverished communities. It takes no longer to make your donation than it did to read this article so fill in the form and then pass it on to everyone in your contact book.

To make a difference and see the latest totals, click here.

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Lawyers spare minute to save the world

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