Lawyers raise funds to feed hungry
Legal eagles, police join forces on pub night, theatre events
We are very pleased to say the November fundraiser for Ottawa Lawyers Feed the Hungry grossed $50,141.66.
Through the volunteer efforts of almost 100 people, we kept the expenses to under $10,000 and those who participated in this unique event should be proud of themselves.
For the first time in our memory, the forces and talents of members of the legal and police communities were combined to present a theatrical production. Still Looking for Paradise opened Nov. 6 at the Ottawa Little Theatre and closed Nov. 9.
A companion pub night organized by co-producer Sgt. Catherine Brown of the Ottawa Police Service preceded the show by a couple of weeks. The energy from that night of singing and dancing at the Police Association building carried over to the Little Theatre.
The OLT could not have been more welcoming. We moved our rehearsals straight from the police station to the theatre, worked liked fiends with our dedicated volunteer crew to set up, and opened after only two days on that stage.
The cast of 50 (including our rowdy, rotating protesters — one kilted) gave selflessly, under the patient and effervescent direction of Kathi Langston.
We had actors of all ages and experience. We even had an Office Cat, supremely decorated. We are grateful for the standing ovations as well
It would take a page of small print to thank all of those who contributed to this fundraiser. You know who you are and your accomplishments are remarkable, considering you all have day jobs!
I must single out police Chief Charles Bordeleau, Justice Charles Hackland and David Scott for agreeing to act as honorary co-chairs of the event and Coun. Mathieu Fleury, who gave a rousing speech on closing night.
And kudos to Denise Workun and Ed Pundyk who valiantly worked the phones for sponsors and donors and to Patricia McNally for her painstaking accounting.
The money we raised will go directly to buying food and drink for our fellow citizens who come to The Ottawa Mission. Our operating funds are administered by the Law Society Foundation, which also issues tax receipts.
Every third Thursday, volunteers from the legal community go to The Mission, don the famous yellow apron and serve a hot meal to about 500 people. To date, we have provided over 20,000 hot meals and a quick chat.
With the money generated from our November project, we will be able to carry on well into the future (each time we serve, the sitting costs about $1,100).
It is never too late to donate money or time to Ottawa Lawyers Feed the Hungry. You can donate online at lawyersfeedthehungry.ca and also learn more about what the legal community is doing throughout the province.