AS A rule, I avoid using pictures of people handing giant cheques to each other, as they are too much of a cliché. But this one (right) has overcome my prejudice because of the magnificent donation that the Leeds office of the law firm Squire Sanders has made to St George's Crypt, the charity in Leeds for the homeless.

The employees of the Leeds office made the Crypt their 2012 adopted charity, and pledged to raise £25,000 for it. In the event, they more than doubled that figure, and have handed over £57,000, which will go towards providing shelter, showers, food, and help and advice to the 100 or more people who turn to it every day of the year.

Based at St George's, Leeds, in the diocese of Ripon & Leeds, the Crypt has helped thousands of vulnerable people since it first opened its doors in 1930. Jonathan Jones (far left), managing partner at the Squire Sanders office, says: "Even though we are part of a global firm, it is important for us to support a local charity which does such good work for individuals within the region." They are glad to have raised the profile of the charity in Yorkshire.

Their fund-raising efforts included 12 of the partners' sleeping on the streets for the night, a Diamond Ball, a White Collar boxing event, and Grow a Mo (a moustache) in November, together with a variety of small events throughout the year, such as raffles, clothes collections, and inter-departmental competitions.