A SOLICITOR is pledging to donate money to good causes in Croydon – every time a new case is put his way by Advertiser readers.
Lloyd Green, the senior partner of personal injury specialists Lloyd Green Solicitors, is this week launching the Croydon Advertiser Community Fund (CACF), by putting £500 into the coffers.
And for each personal injury case accepted directly from Advertiser readers, the firm is promising to make a charitable donation of £300; £150 to its chosen charity, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and £150 to the CACF.
Mr Green told the Advertiser how he wants to change perceptions of his chosen trade, often criticised for an "ambulance-chasing" mentality.
He said: "The main reason that I became a personal injury solicitor was to help people who find themselves in a bad predicament through no fault of their own; my job is to ensure that they are protected under the law.
"We know that there are still certain perceptions when it comes to making a personal injury claim; that people are concerned about what others will think of them."
The CACF will distribute money through the year to community organisations or projects in need of a funding boost.
Mr Green continued: "Fundraising for various charitable organisations has been a huge part of my life for many years now. In light of this, and particularly with the current economic climate, I believe it is imperative that we work together to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
"I am proud of my firm's involvement with the CACF and sincerely hope that it goes from strength to strength and becomes a benchmark for other communities too."
For the money to be put into the CACF, approaches must come directly from an individual, rather than through an intermediary.
Claims can be made for injuries including those suffered in a car accident, sustained at work or by tripping over in the street.
Mr Green added: "There's no shame in making a claim.
"Why should someone feel guilty for making a genuine personal injury claim? Why shouldn't people be compensated if they are left with horrendous injuries or psychological trauma from an accident?"
The Advertiser intends to distribute the money from Mr Green's scheme throughout the coming months, to local good causes and community groups. If you would like to make a case to receive some of the cash, please e-mail newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk with Croydon Advertiser Community Fund in the subject line, including details about your organisation and why you need funding. If you have a personal injury claim you'd like Lloyd Green Solicitors to take up on your behalf, call 020 3553 4550, e-mail cacf@forthepeople.co.uk or visit www.forthepeople.co.uk