The world has been upturned with the impact of Covid-19 and climate change, which in fact, have highlighted the importance of engaging in CSR activities. Apart from the serious health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has also presented many social issues. A company should recognize that success does not only depend on the services it provides, but also on the integration of social and environmental matters into their values, culture and decisions, and the impact of its behaviour on various stakeholders. Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC, as a large law firm, recognizes this responsibility and, over the years, has taken a number of CSR initiatives.
Events
Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC has a long active presence in organizing numerous fund-raising events and volunteering. The firm initiated the idea of organizing and sponsoring a fund-raising event in aid of the Ithaki Charity Organisation on World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September 2019. The event included a 5km family run in Paphos where t-shirts as well as medals were given out. The purpose of the Ithaki Charity Organisation, is to educate the public on the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer and other forms of dementia. Moreover, it aims to improve the methods of treating and relieving patients who are diagnosed with the particular diseases.
Another charity supported by the firm over the years is the One Dream One Wish (Make a wish) foundation. The charity's aim is to support children who are suffering from cancer and related illnesses, and to support their families by offering them life incentives and helping them get closer to fulfilling their wishes and dreams. Every two years, the firm organizes a Charity Gala which gives all donations raised to One Dream One Wish. Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC, is a loyal supporter of giving back to the community.
In addition to the Charity Gala, the firm sponsored theĀ concert titled 'Maria Kalogeropoulou Callas, the Woman and the Artist', which was held on 23 May 2019 at the Markidio Municipal Theatre in Paphos. It was organized under the auspices of the First Lady, Ms Andri Anastasiadis, and all proceeds raised were donated to One Dream One Wish. Another event sponsored and supported by the firm, was a golf event which was held in association with the Paphos Kidney Association in August 2019, proceeds of which were donated to the Paphos Kidney Association.
Pro-bono
Another dimension of the firm's CSR activity is its active role in providing pro-bono legal advice, as the removal of the costs involved in seeking legal support is a great helping hand for supporting social issues. In this respect, the firm has provided legal advice and completed the registration of a voluntary group in Paphos named Music & Dance Theatre of Employees and Retirees of the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA), who hold plays with a nominal access fee which low-income groups can afford.
In addition, the firm is offering legal support to the Paphos Kidney Association on a pro-bono basis and is involved in the Association's plans to upgrade the local Kidney Dialyses Ward. The purpose of the upgrade is to safeguard the patients who are particularly vulnerable to hospital illnesses. The general aim of the Association is to support the Paphos General Hospital Renal Unit by raising funds for vital equipment and assisting people with kidney problems who wish to travel to Cyprus and need to continue their treatment during their time there. Furthermore, Michael Kyprianou & Co LLC has been actively involved in providing legal support to the charity as to obtain the Ministry of Health's approval, in October 2019, for the construction of a much-needed new dialysis unit for Paphos General Hospital. Further, the firm has offered pro-bono legal advice and support to charities on IP related matters.
Student awards
Lastly, the firm awards a monetary prize to the winner of an essay competition between the final year students of The English School Nicosia, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Cyprus. The competition and award are in memory of the firm's founder and the purpose of the initiative is to support and inspire final year students to become lawyers, as this opportunity is offered to applicants who intend to study law. To participate in the competition, students must write a short essay on specific themes which focus on topical legal concepts with far-reaching impact on society. Among others, such legal concepts include, protecting the right to a fair trial and a discussion on the extent of punishment for heinous crimes.
In conclusion, it is extremely important for companies to show a genuine interest in social and environmental issues and whilst there is not a one-size-fits-all solution, each company can adopt its own measures. The firm consistently holds meetings and discussions with various stakeholders and is currently planning for further engagement in social and environmental matters, both at a local level but also internationally through the firm's international offices.
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