Welsh law firm Gomer Williams & Co has united businesses, charities and schools in West Wales to create a special Christmas video that highlights the struggles of food poverty and financial hardship faced by many in the Llanelli community.
With the support of Phil Harmonics Choir, the law firm has recreated Band Aid’s ‘Do they know it’s Christmas’ after one of the Directors, Juliet Phillips-James was inspired to use the infamous song, which celebrates it’s 40th anniversary this year, to raise funds for local food banks in Llanelli after witnessing the impact the cost of living crisis has had on the lives of individuals, families and businesses in the town.
In a video that captures the Christmas spirit, lawyers and employees in the law firm were joined by the choir and St John Lloyd’s RC Comprehensive School – featuring Assistant Headteacher Mike Kent and staff, who provided instrumental performances.
The video has already raised hundreds of pounds for deserving local charities:
- The Jac Lewis Foundation
- Young Carers
- Threshold DAS
- Morgan’s Army
- Ty Hafan
- St John Lloyd Youth SVP (St Vincent de Paul)
Juliet came up with the concept only a few days into December 2024 and pulled on her team, the local business community and production crews to deliver the campaign in time to support the charities, including foodbanks in Llanelli, exemplifying what can be achieved in a small space of time to support others – even at an extremely busy time of year. She said:
“I am truly moved by how the community has come together to support this wonderful charity effort. I had a seed of an idea for a Christmas video at the start of December and very quickly it grew and evolved into this amazing charity drive for the community of Llanelli.
“I love the Bandaid song and the message of ‘feed the world’. I feel when we are in a position to be able to help it’s is important we do. There are so many people struggling with various challenges from physical and mental illnesses , domestic abuse, poverty, and the young carers out there who are our unsung heroes. We’ve been moved by the work these charities do and really wanted to do something special to support them.”
Supporting local businesses include: Marzanos Cafe, Dawsons Estates & Letting, and John Francis Estate Agents, who worked alongside the entire Gomer Williams team.
Juliet added:
“So much work goes on in the community behind the scenes and quietly to help improve the lives of many and we want to help shine a spotlight on these wonderful people who work hard to make this happen.
“If we can help we should try and as I’ve often be told ‘it’s better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness’.
“We are really proud and grateful to everyone who came together to make this a success. This project is a true reflection of our commitment to the community, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
The firm offered a special shout-out to Chris Griffiths from Calon Mortgages for his solo vocals, and to Fern Palferman for her support with vocal arrangements, alongside Sarah Richards for leading the choir and to Phil Thomas for his technical work with the music.
Watch the video in the law firm’s Linkedin post, below.
To donate to the campaign, please contact Gomer Williams at contactus@gomerwilliams.co.uk
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Note: Gomer Williams & Co Ltd acknowledge that the music featured in this video includes the original lyrics and music written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, first performed by Band Aid. This campaign is non-profit
