McCarthy Tétrault announced that it has renewed its $5 million donation to United Way Centraide to be distributed over five years to support its work in helping to improve lives and communities across Canada and address our most vulnerable populations’ needs. Through this one-of-a-kind national partnership, McCarthy Tétrault and its people have been able to amplify the work and impact of United Way’s network of agencies in alignment with the firm’s Inclusion Now Strategy.

This gift will be directed to agencies and programs in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montréal and Québec City that have the greatest impact in supporting five equity-deserving groups:

• women,
• Indigenous peoples,
• newcomers to Canada,
• members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and
• people with disabilities.

In addition to this renewed multi-year investment, McCarthy Tétrault has committed to donating an additional $1 million for one year that will go directly to United Way Centraide agencies that are dedicated to fighting the rising homelessness crisis in Canada.

“United Way Centraide’s national reach and ability to advance solutions that help improve social conditions are integral to creating immediate and lasting change,” said Dave Leonard, CEO of McCarthy Tétrault and Chair of UWGT’s 2023 Community Campaign. “And following recent unprecedented times, the need for its support across Canada continues to grow. That is why I’m delighted to announce that we are sustaining our partnership with United Way Centraide and recommitting to another $5 million over five years to ensure it can continue its important work in helping to build stronger communities and provide the support everyone deserves.”

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVE LEONARD, CEO AND PARTNER, MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT, DANIELE ZANOTTI, PRESIDENT & CEO, UNITED WAY GREATER TORONTO, CHARLENE THEODORE, CHIEF INCLUSION OFFICER, MCCARTHY TÉTRAULT

Alongside this renewed commitment, McCarthy Tétrault offices across Canada are also investing time to volunteering and pro bono activities to aid local agencies and communities and supporting local fundraising efforts. Earlier this year, McCarthy Tétrault CEO Dave Leonard also stepped up to chair United Way Greater Toronto’s 2023 Community Campaign.

The firm’s initial trailblazing 5/5/5 donation commitment to United Way Centraide started in 2018 as part of the firm’s industry-leading Inclusion Now strategy and was the first of its kind for Canada’s legal industry.

“Our Inclusion Now strategy is our enterprise-wide plan to eliminate systemic barriers in the workplace so all members of our firm can thrive and feel a sense of belonging at work,” said Charlene Theodore, McCarthy Tétrault’s Chief Inclusion Officer. “Our partnership with United Way allows us to mirror this approach in our community. By investing an additional $1 million to agencies tackling the growing crisis of homelessness across the country, we know we can have an impact on the growing population of unhoused Canadians in the communities where we work and live.”

McCarthy Tétrault’s award-winning Inclusion Now strategy, led by Charlene Theodore, McCarthy Tétrault’s Chief Inclusion Officer, informs every aspect of the firm and is dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility in support of its members, clients, the legal profession, as well as the broader community.

About United Way Centraide

Since 1919, the United Way Centraide (UWC) Movement has been dedicated to creating opportunities for a better life for all Canadians. The United Way Centraide Movement is a federated network of United Way and Centraide offices serving more than 5,000 communities across Canada. Each United Way and Centraide is registered as a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer-led, local board of directors. Together we are the United Way Centraide Movement working to create sustainable solutions to the social issues faced by local communities across Canada.

About McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault LLP provides a broad range of legal services, providing strategic and industry-focused advice and solutions for Canadian and international interests. The firm has substantial presence in Canada’s major commercial centres as well as in New York City and London.

Built on an integrated approach to the practice of law and delivery of innovative client services, the firm brings its legal talent, industry insight and practice experience to help clients achieve the results that are important to them.

– 30 –

For further information on McCarthy Tétrault or any of the above, please contact [email protected].