The Annual ECR Toy Story Campaign is geared towards alleviating poverty, social upliftment and bringing a simple smile to the face of a child.

This project was motivated by the horrific possibility that thousands of South Africans go hungry everyday without a hope of where their next meal might come from. ECR Toy Story begins in October and runs into December each year with inspiring participation by the community. All money raised during the campaign is used to purchase food parcels. These food parcels, valued at R300 each are designed with a family’s daily needs in mind.

This year we, at J Leslie Smith & Co. were glad to join the campaign by calling for donations of toys or any sum of money from our staff and surrounding firms. Spearheaded by our Senior Associate, and Penny Tiernay, here at J Leslie Smith, collection boxes were set up in the Magistrate’s court, the High Court, and at our offices with generous participation by all, ensuring that more food parcels and toys reach those who need them the most. Spirited contributions were also received from the employees at Venn Nemeth and Hart & Associates.

We collected an ECR Toystory box full of toys and 3,250 Rands which was gratefully received by ECR who encouraged our continued efforts. Our Senior Associate and Penny agree that this is a particularly fulfilling endeavor which we at J Leslie Smith & Co are proud to have been a part of.

The Marriage Meander Company has recently started their Marriage Meanders in the KZN Midlands. The meander gives brides the opportunity to visit a number of venues in the Midlands with a view to finding the perfect wedding venue and a host of recommended suppliers, from photographers and stationers, to florists and DJ's. Brides (and Grooms!) are encouraged to bring their mum's, bridesmaids or their whole retinue to enjoy a day of fun and incredible value.

The latest meander was held on Saturday the 19^th of September and included the following venues namely: Shalwyn (Breakfast), Tala Private Game Reserve (Lunch) and Eden Lassie (Afternoon tea). At each venue, the guests are treated to a tour of the facilities, provided with details of the wedding packages on offer and spoilt with a tasting menu showcasing what each venue has to offer. At each venue, a small number of recommended suppliers is available to present their various products. Cathy Smith of J.Leslie Smith was on hand at Shalwyn to give a very brief talk to the guests reminding them of the importance of an Antenuptial Contract and updating their wills.

If you need any detail on an Antenuptial Contract or updating your will, please contact Cathy Smith at cathys@jleslie.co.za (Antenuptial Contracts) or Margaret McCullough at margaretm@jleslie.co.za (Wills)

For further details on the Midlands Marriage Meander view their website www.marriagemender.co.za

DONATION TO THE NATAL CHILDREN’S HOME

Children are indeed our future, so when J Leslie Smith & Co became aware of the appeal made by the Natal Children’s Home, the staff members were only too excited to get involved.Penny Tiernay, Fiona Lubbe and Naheem Essop (Senior Associate) of J Leslie Smith & Co spearheaded a campaign, with resounding success, to collect donations consisting of canned food and essential items for the Home.

Donations to the value of R5,000.00 were handed over to Debbie Schroeder, the representative of the Natal Children’s Home on Friday 17^th July 2009.Debbie who was extremely appreciative, expressed her sincere gratitude to J Leslie Smith & Co and all those who had made donations.

J Leslie Smith & Co hope that their campaign to assist the Natal Children’s Home serves to encourage other legal firms to meet this challenge and advise they would be happy to be beaten at this particular challenge.

*(L r R)Staff members Penny Tiernay, Fiona Lubbe and Naheem Essop are seen handing over the donation to Debbie Schroeder of the Natal Children’s Home.

*Picture taken by Lynda Freese