London’s legal community has a clear case for congratulations, with cumulative donations to United Way topping the $1-million mark in just eight years.
This year, three local law firms have won honours in the Lawyers’ Leadership Challenge, a competition that summons the legal community to eclipse their previous totals and outdo their colleagues’ numbers.
Siskinds The Law Firm won the challenge for total money raised and shared top spot on the leaderboard with Harrison Pensa Lawyers for increased giving at the leadership level. Miller Thomson LLP won the challenge for highest per-person average donation.
“We live and work in this region, and we regularly see the struggles some people face. At the same time, we see how United Way-funded programs help tens of thousands of singles, children, families and seniors rebound from tough times and go on to thrive.”
The three law firms along with challengers Cohen Highley Lawyers, McKenzie Lake Lawyers, Hicks & Morley, Lerners Lawyers and Western Law together raised a whopping $128,878 during the 2022 local fundraising Campaign.
“We all enjoy the friendly competition of the challenge – and it’s always good to win,” said John Downing, managing partner of Miller Thomson LLP and a member of United Way’s Board of Directors. “But it’s seeing the positive impact these funds have in our local community that keeps us participating year after year.”
Andy Rady, a partner at Harrison Pensa and chair of the Lawyers’ Leadership Challenge, said lawyers, law-firm staff and Western’s Law faculty and staff give because they’re all invested in growing a stronger community.
“We live and work in this region, and we regularly see the struggles some people face. At the same time, we see how United Way-funded programs help tens of thousands of singles, children, families and seniors rebound from tough times and go on to thrive,” Rady said.
“United Way invests in agencies that bridge the gap between need and needs-met. That’s why I’m so proud of my colleagues and peers whose donations empower real, lasting change,” Rady said.
United Way president and CEO Kelly Ziegner said this campaign-within-a-Campaign is always a boost. “This million-dollar milestone is a testament to the long-term commitment of the local legal community. We’re so appreciative of their hard work and their warm generosity.”
