Simmons Hanly Conroy Renews $25,000 Match Challenge to Help Union Families for Fifth Year

St. Louis area law firm will match up to $25,000 in donations to “$5 for the Fight” Campaign

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 5, 2016 ) – Simmons Hanly Conroy, the largest plaintiff’s personal injury firm in the St. Louis area, will again match up to $25,000 in donations to the “$5 for the Fight” Fund that helps union families facing financial hardship. Since 2012, the firm’s match challenge has raised over $150,000 for the “$5 for the Fight” Emergency Relief Fund, which was established by the Greater St. Louis Labor Council and supported by the United Way.

“Our attorneys are dedicated to helping union families who have been impacted by occupational exposures enforce their legal rights,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Partner Chris Guinn. “Union workers are more likely to be exposed to toxins like asbestos on the job just by the nature of their professions. The Simmons match challenge is a way for us to help during times of hardship.”

The fund, established in 1996, helps union members and their families facing financial hardships. In 2015, more than 400 families from 73 different local unions received help paying their mortgages, utilities, medical bills and more through last year’s fundraising efforts. The “$5 for the Fight” campaign raised just over $95,000 including contributions from other local funds and charities and the nearly $50,000 resulting from the firm’s match campaign.

“The Simmons law firm once again has shown its loyalty to the labor community with this generous donation.,” said Pat White, president of the Greater St. Louis Labor Council. “This fund is set up to help union members in need and is funded mainly by other union members.  To have a friend in the business community such as Simmons is a blessing for all of us. “

The labor council and United Way of Greater St. Louis cover administration costs for the fundraiser, allowing all donations to directly benefit local union families in the Greater St. Louis area. Guinn said he hopes the Simmons match campaign will motivate others to give.

“The outpouring of support the firm’s match campaign has received over the past five years has been impressive,” Guinn said. “We hope it will once again motivate others to contribute, especially when their donation will go twice as far to help local St. Louis union families.”

Donations can be made by check or online. Mail a check or money order to “$5 for the Fight,” c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044 and include your union affiliation if applicable. To make an online donation, visit www.labortribune.com and click “$5 for the Fight” Donations in the left hand column. An option to create a reoccurring automated donation is also available.