Employees at the Scottish-based legal firm chose to give their support to Scottish Autism after it was proposed by two of their colleagues whose siblings live with the condition and are supported by the charity.

This is the first year that both Burness’s Glasgow and Edinburgh offices opted to support the same charity. They have now set up a committee representing both locations to develop and roll out a series of monthly fundraising initiatives from soup and sandwich days to nation-wide challenges including participation the Pedal Scotland event in Sept 2012. The firm is also in the process of signing up runners for the 1st April Kilomathon, a 13.1km running event in Edinburgh.

Through their association with Scottish Autism, Burness will get the opportunity to witness some of the charity’s service delivery and participate in interactive workshops aimed at building a better understanding of autism. Burness’s 250 staff will also tap into Scottish Autism’s social media channels to help further raise the organisation’s profile through their own personal networks.

Philip Rodney, Chairman at Burness said:

"We had great support across the firm in deciding to support Scottish Autism and make them our charity focus for this year. Autism is a condition that affects upwards of 50,000 people in Scotland. It has impacted on the families of some of our own people who know firsthand the great work that Scottish Autism does to help enhance the lives of those who have the condition. 

“We have set an ambitious target to raise several thousands of pounds over the year for which we are confident of success. Our committee is bursting with enthusiasm and energy and they are already developing some innovative and entertaining ideas which are being well-supported by our colleagues and many friends of the firm.”

Alan Somerville, CEO at Scottish Autism said: “We are clearly delighted that a large and well regarded legal firm has chosen us as their charity of the year. Our aim is to support the staff as much as possible with their fundraising and to also raise their own awareness of autism and how we can best support individuals, families and professionals who are touched by the condition.

“We have already had a great response from the team at Burness, some of whom have direct experience of autism within their own families, and we look forward to working with them over the year ahead to promote better understanding and, of course, raise funds for the important work we do across the autism spectrum.”