David Lavery CB

The charity has set out to raise £250,000 within 12 weeks, with early momentum led by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and a growing number of law firms and individual legal professionals.

Through its longstanding partner, the Italian humanitarian organisation CESVI, Concern has been delivering lifesaving support on the ground in Gaza.

This includes restoring access to clean water, rehabilitating damaged water networks, installing emergency sanitation facilities, and supporting shelters and protecting children from disease.

All funds raised are entirely humanitarian, non-political, and grounded in the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence — values deeply shared with the legal profession.

Reaching the £250,000 target will allow Concern to extend lifesaving water and sanitation support to 21,000 vulnerable children and families who continue to face severe risks from dehydration, waterborne disease and the collapse of essential services.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland formally endorsed the fundraising appeal in September and has made significant financial contributions.

Leading firms have pivoted from existing charity partnerships to provide urgent support, while legal professionals have mobilised company donations, fundraising events, and staff-led initiatives.

Northern Ireland’s legal community has now been urged to continue showing support to get the appeal over the £250,000 line.

Jackie Trainor, Concern NI director, said: “The response from the Northern Ireland legal community has been extraordinary.

“At its heart, this appeal is about dignity, protection, and the fundamental right to safe water, principles that resonate deeply across our profession.

“With support from colleagues in Northern Ireland, we can help thousands more families survive this crisis.”

David Lavery CB, chief executive of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, said: “The generosity shown by solicitors, firms, and partners across Northern Ireland speaks to the very best of our profession.

“Access to clean water is a basic human right, and the legal community has always stood up when that right is under threat.

“We are proud to support Concern’s work and strongly encourage colleagues to join us in helping reach even more families in Gaza.”

How firms can get involved

1. Make a corporate donation — Direct donations to the Concern Water for Gaza Appeal can be made via JustGiving or bank transfer.

2. Pivot festive or year-end charitable giving — Firms can temporarily redirect Christmas charity activity or CSR initiatives to this urgent humanitarian appeal.

3. Encourage staff-giving and micro-fundraisers — Seasonal fundraising events can generate meaningful collective impact. Ideas are available on Concern’s website.

4. Donate the Last Billable Hour — Solicitors and firms can donate the value of the last billable hour of the year, with an option for the firm to match donations.

5. Amplify the appeal publicly — Share across internal channels, LinkedIn, member networks, and professional groups.

For more information, visit Concern Worldwide’s Water for Gaza Appeal page.