Nov. 30, 2023 — United Way Halton and Hamilton
This year, a sold-out crowd of 250 individuals from the Hamilton and Halton legal communities unified and took collective action to support those in need at the 22nd Annual Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon.
The event welcomed the Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin at the Sopinka Luncheon. Justice O’Bonsawin is Canada’s first Indigenous Supreme Court Justice and is a widely respected member of Canada’s legal community with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years.
The Sopinka Luncheon Fundraiser is in honour of the late John Sopinka, who was a judge on the Supreme Court of Canada, and highly respected community member. For the past 22 years, lawyers in the Hamilton and Halton legal communities have raised close to $3 million for United Way. These funds have made a significant impact, providing crucial support to our most vulnerable neighbours. This year’s goal is to raise over $300,000 though this event.
This is a unique, one-of-a-kind event. Hamilton stands as the sole Canadian city without a law school that attracts Supreme and Superior Court Justices exclusively for this unique occasion. This annual gathering is a testament to the distinguished reputation the Hamilton legal community has cultivated on a national scale.
“I am profoundly moved by the presence and support of our federal and provincial courts within this community,” says Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton and Hamilton. “Their participation underscores the extraordinary commitment to uplift the lives of the most vulnerable in our community and strengthens the network of social supports.”
Guests were invited to hear from Tricia Sampson, the Manager of Education and Life Skill Programming with EFRY Hope and Help for Women. Tricia spoke about human trafficking and sexual exploitation as it relates to Ontario and more specifically the GTHA. She discussed the significant impact EFRY Hope and Help for Women has been able to make in local communities, due in large part to the generous donations made to United Way Halton Hamilton.
The event also featured the recipient of the John F. Evans Award of Community Distinction, Jarvis Scott. Jarvis is one of this country’s leading mediators in the field of personal injury and insurance. He has worked over the past 20 years with United Way, supporting and chairing campaigns, as well as financially contributing.
Through the Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon, the legal community underscores its ability to inspire collective action and demonstrate that community support remains critical.
The event took place November 30, 2023 at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel.
