At Aird & Berlis LLP, we believe that the donation of our skills, expertise and time to support social programs and to act in the public interest is key to being a responsible member of society. Our professionals and support staff regularly contribute time and financial support to dozens of charities and arts organizations. Our lawyers also serve as volunteer board members for hospitals, educational institutions, charitable foundations and other social organizations.

Some of our more significant firm-wide programs include:

• The Aird & Berlis LLP/Women’s Law Association of Ontario Advocacy Award, which was designed to recognize a woman who has dedicated her time and talents to an advocacy project advancing equality rights.
• Fundraising activities to support the United Way and, independently, various organizations that are under the United Way umbrella. The activities include silent auctions, raffles and other fun events. 
• Ongoing support of the Saint Elizabeth Health Care Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and charitable initiatives in home and community care.
• Sponsorship of heptathlete and Pan Am Gold medalist Jessica Zelinka, in her run up to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Our support began in the spring of 2007 as she competed in international meets such as the Pan American Games and Gotzis.
• The Law Firm Challenge, organized by Aird & Berlis LLP, as part of the Ride for Research for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). From 2004 to 2006, the Challenge raised many tens of thousands of dollars in donations for the charity.
• Sponsorship of Clara Hughes, speed skater and Olympic gold medalist, during the 2005/2006 competitive season. She is best remembered for her outstanding gold medal win in the women's 5000m speed skating race at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy.
  

Our individual lawyers and staff devote their time and energies to many organizations and events. Here is just a small sample:

• Habitat for Humanity – Several A&B real estate lawyers provided their legal services on a pro bono basis to complete real estate closings, whereby nine selected families acquired ownership of their homes from Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization which builds affordable homes in partnership with low-income families.
• Partner Nick Torchetti succeeded in obtaining US$600,000 for the Institute of the Blessed Family order of nuns in the small town of Ofena, L’Aquila, Italy after contesting a will dispute.
• Partner Sam Babe participated in the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, a 7,600 km trek from Vancouver, B.C. to Halifax, Nova Scotia in June 2008.
• Partner Eileen Costello participated in the Tri-Adventure for Africa fundraising triathlon in 2007 and 2008. The triathlon, a three-day event involving swimming, canoeing and cycling, raises money for charities that help support those impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
• Race Across America – billed as the toughest cycling event in the world, Sam Babe and his cycling partner Christopher Bolton formed Team SKRAAM to complete the race in June 2007 and raise funds for the Sick Kids Hospital Foundation.
• The Tour for Kids – a charitable bicycle ride in August 2006 that raised funds for three camps dedicated to helping children dealing with cancer. Lawyers Sam Babe and Boris Muchalov gave it their all, covering 800 kilometres in four days.
• Our Managing Partner Eldon Bennett is active in community involvement and is a Past Director for both the Toronto Hospital Foundation and the Toronto Hospital Research Institute.
• Partner Jane Pepino is a leading advocate for gender equality, community safety and women's health issues. Her activities include serving on boards and other noteworthy roles for the International Women's Forum, Province of Ontario Women's Health Council, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Women's College Hospital, The Bishop Strachan School, Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Metro Action Committee on Public Violence Against Women and Children, Mayor's Committee on Employment Equity and the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
• Partner Nick Torchetti served as a founding board member of the Kensington Eye Institute and was appointed as the first Chairman of the Board in 2006.
• Several Aird & Berlis LLP litigation lawyers volunteer with the Child Advocacy Project through Pro Bono Law Ontario. The Child Advocacy Project is dedicated to safeguarding the public education rights of children and youth across Ontario.
   

Because of their tireless efforts, our lawyers and staff are recognized for their contributions. For example:

• Aird & Berlis LLP received an award from Mayor David Miller and the Toronto City Council for our participation in the Partnership to Advance Youth Employment (PAYE) program. The PAYE program, a joint initiative between employers in the private sector and the City of Toronto, was created to increase economic opportunities for youth.
• Aird & Berlis LLP received the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's 2007 Corporate Commitment Award given to an organization that has fostered an environment of volunteerism within the workplace for the benefit of the Foundation. Our lawyers and staff have made over 43,000 pink ribbons since our involvement began in June 2007.
• Jane Pepino received the Order of Canada for "lending her voice to those less fortunate or marginalized by society."
• Nick Torchetti was elected as Chairman of the Board of Villa Charities Inc. in the summer of 2007. Villa Charities is the largest charitable and cultural organization in the local Italian community, and through its various related entities, operates cultural centres, retirement homes and other community facilities. Nick was also the recipient of Villa Charities' "Heart and Hand Award" in 2006. The award is given each year to a volunteer who has gone "above and beyond" in giving of their time, and who embodies the true spirit of volunteerism.
• Bill VanderBurgh was granted the Arbor Award for outstanding voluntary service to the University of Toronto.