Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Launch of the ACT Law Society Foundation
As a Centenary of Canberra project, the ACT Law Society has established a charitable fund called the ACT Law Society Foundation to support Canberra's charities and other worthy causes.
The Hon Justice Patrick Keane of the High Court of Australia formally launched the Foundation at a ceremony held on Wednesday 29 May at the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The Society has a long tradition of charitable fundraising through functions such as Law Week, which this year raised more than $13,000. In previous years a different charity has been chosen each year to receive the funds from Law Week. The Law Society has established the Foundation to provide a more substantial and enduring expression of the ACT legal profession’s connection with, and concern and support for, Canberra and its charities. While it will begin modestly it will over time become something of which the members of the Society can be proud and which will contribute meaningfully to the welfare of our community.
The 1500 members of the Law Society are an important link throughout the Canberra community. As well as acting in their professional capacity, Canberra’s lawyers are present on the committees of many voluntary organisations, sporting associations, charities, educational facilities and also contribute extensively with free legal advice and assistance through the Society’s Legal Advice Bureau and the Pro Bono Clearing House.
The Foundation’s initial capital will come from the proceeds of Law Week over the next three years, matched by funds from the Society. The income will be used in perpetuity to support charities and causes identified by the President of the Society after considering the advice of the Council.
The Foundation has been established within Capital Region Community Foundation known as GreaterGood, a public charitable foundation that provides people and organisations with a facility to create their own charitable funds. Established by the Public Trustee of the ACT, GreaterGood holds Australian Taxation Office endorsement as a Designated Gift Recipient.
Contributions to the Foundation are most welcome, and all donations are tax deductible. For more information about making a donation by credit card, cheque, or direct deposit, visit the ACT Law Society’s website.
The Hon Justice Patrick Keane of the High Court of Australia; Lady Helen Deane, Patron of GreaterGood; Noor Blumer, President of the ACT Law Society; and The Hon Margaret Reid AO, Inaugural Chair of GreaterGood at the Foundation launch.