On November 13, 2025, FDH Lawyers was honoured to attend the 24th Annual Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, located at 116 King Street West in Hamilton. With more than 270 lawyers, legal professionals, and community leaders in attendance, the event showcased the collective power of the legal community in strengthening support systems across Burlington, Hamilton, Halton, and the GTHA.
Representing FDH Lawyers were Denise Hebb and Jessie Sipione. As a contributing sponsor, our firm’s participation reflects our dedication to community engagement, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Burlington, Hamilton, Halton, and the broader GTHA. Our involvement in this event reinforces our belief in the legal community’s responsibility to support the well-being of the region we serve.
Bringing the Legal Community Together for a Stronger Hamilton
The Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon was created by John F. Evans to bring legal professionals together to share a meal, exchange insights, and hear from inspiring speakers.A Longstanding Event for Legal Collaboration
The 2025 luncheon carried this mission forward with thoughtful storytelling, impactful discussions, and timely reflections on the role lawyers play in supporting their communities.Funding Support for Over 226,000 Community Members
At the event, United Way Halton & Hamilton announced that $461,000 had been raised at the time of the luncheon. These funds help support more than 226,000 individuals who accessed United Way-funded services this year. This scale of need emphasizes just how vital accessible, locally driven programs remain for residents across the region.Insights From United Way President & CEO Brad Park
Attendees also heard from Brad Park, President and CEO of United Way Halton & Hamilton. With more than two decades of leadership experience in the United Way movement, Brad has played a significant role in shaping a coordinated care model designed to ensure community members receive timely and effective support. His remarks emphasized the importance of:- sustained, long-term investment in local programs
- addressing ongoing needs related to food security
- improving housing stability
- strengthening educational access
- expanding mental health resources
Celebrating the “Legacy in Action” Initiative
One of the most impactful announcements of the event was the introduction of the Legacy in Action initiative. Supported by five generous donors committing $25,000 annually for the next three years, this initiative provides stable, predictable funding that allows community agencies to strengthen and expand their programs.Multi-Year Donor Commitments for Stability
Five donors committed $25,000 annually for the next three years, creating predictable, stable funding that agencies rely on to maintain and expand essential programs. This multi-year commitment allows agencies to plan long-term, ensuring the continuity of vital community services.Addressing Food Insecurity with Dignity — Insights from Food for Life
Food insecurity was a central focus of the event, with Food for Life offering a compelling look at the growing need for accessible, nutritious food across Halton and Hamilton. Food for Life isa Burlington-based agency supported by United Way. Speaking on behalf of the organization, Karen Randell discussed the stark realities of food insecurity and the importance of providing fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families across Halton.Rising Need Across Halton and Hamilton
The statistics shared by Food for Life underscored the urgency:- 1 in 4 Canadians is experiencing food insecurity
- approximately 2 million Canadians use food banks daily
Food for Life’s Fresh-Food, Dignity-Centred Model
Food for Life rescues surplus food and redistributes it through a network of community fridges, pop-up programs, and market-style distributions. Karen shared examples of how reliable access to food can improve emotional well-being, increase confidence, and help people feel more connected to their communities.A Fireside Conversation with the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin
A standout moment of the luncheon was a fireside conversation featuring the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of Canada, and Erica Lamont, a personal injury lawyer at Lamont Law. Their discussion explored personal experiences from the legal profession and highlighted the importance of compassion, fairness, and representation in law. Justice McLachlin offered personal reflections on her early career and the barriers women faced when entering the legal profession. She described how expectations at the time limited women’s roles and how married women in particular were often discouraged from pursuing professional careers. Despite those challenges, Justice McLachlin went on to become the first female Chief Justice of Canada and the longest-serving Chief Justice in the country’s history. Many of her decisions now form the basis of legal education throughout Canada. Her conversation focused on the importance of compassion and the fundamental purpose of legal work, which she described as helping people and improving the community as a whole.
Why Community Engagement Matters to FDH Lawyers
For FDH Lawyers, participating in the Sopinka United Way Legal Luncheon aligns with our belief that legal professionals have a responsibility to support the communities they serve. Our firm works closely with individuals and families on- residential real estate transactions
- wills and estates
- family law matters
- and in additional practice areas.
