PR for People Monthly September 2017 | Page 8

The statistics are staggering – 795 million people – or one in nine people in the world – do not have enough to eat. “I’m just one person, what can I do?” As it turns out, a lot, when given the opportunity to join forces.

As part of our own corporate responsibility efforts, Barton LLP has joined its fellow 175 member firms of Primerus, a society of the world’s finest independent, boutique law firms in a collective food drive to combat local and global hunger by declaring September “Primerus Fights World Hunger Month.”

On a local level, any company can hold a food drive for its community food program. During the month of September, Barton is actively collecting non-perishable food for City Harvest. A pioneer of food rescue since 1982, City Harvest has scaled up efforts to fight hunger for 1.4 million New Yorkers who struggle to put meals on their tables. Mostly known for redirecting excess food to soup kitchens, food pantries and other community food programs across the five boroughs, they collect non-perishable foods to distribute as well. Clearly, there are local organizations across the country in this type of capacity.

Globally, Barton is supporting the Primerus’ second initiative, “Billable Hours for Hunger,” by pledging the equivalent of at least one billable hour to the UN’s World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger, with 93% of every donation going directly toward getting food to hungry children and their families. Although Barton, as a firm, is making this contribution, many Barton attorneys have taken it upon themselves to make individual donations.

Barton invites The Connector readership to join this fight against hunger by visiting the City Harvest (or your own community food program) and/or World Food Programme websites to learn how you can be that one who becomes part of the force of many to fight hunger.

It has been said that some things “ain’t worth a hill of beans” – but in this case, a can of beans can only help get over that hill we call hunger.

Roger Barton's litigation practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation for Fortune 1000 clients. He views each case as an opportunity to partner with corporate counsel in early case assessments, strategy and budgeting to achieve a disposition consistent with the desired business result. Mr. Barton has tried numerous bench and jury cases to conclusion and has argued appeals before the state and federal appellate courts.

From New York City

May the Force

Be With You

by Roger E. Barton