Clifford Chance grants Christmas wishes to students at SNF children development centre

Dressed as Santa Claus and his elves, the team visited the centre to give Christmas presents to the students, and joined in with their morning activities, which had a seasonal theme. Santa and his elves were welcomed to the Centre with pudding and beautifully decorated Christmas trees.

The students of the centre had made Christmas cards, which decorated Clifford Chance's Christmas tree throughout December. Clifford Chance employees each bought a Christmas present for the students in return.

The Dubai office of Clifford Chance supports SNF as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, which will include a weekly volunteering rota, business planning advice and fundraising.

"Everybody has enjoyed contributing to the Christmas Wishes campaign, and the student's decorations have brightened up our office this festive season", explains Gulf Managing Partner, Graham Lovett. "We are looking forward to working with SNF in 2009 and further developing our relationship with the centre and its students."

Director of the Centre, Safia Badia, says:

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Clifford Chance's Dubai team came together today to share what lies within them with the special children of the SNF Children Development Centre with a festive treat at our premises in Karama. It is heart-warming to see that community means a lot to the people at Clifford Chance. The memories of the laughter and joy they spread around at this special Christmas treat they gave the children will last a lifetime in their hearts."

She adds, "In the normal rush of dealing with clients, we know how difficult it is to schedule time to give to the issue of community work, leave alone 'special needs'. We appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Clifford Chance team and more importantly, by engaging their management and staff in this great endeavour, they have kindled awareness that it does not take a lot to make 'special people' feel really special!."