Role of the BLG Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The BLG Foundation serves as the primary charitable giving vehicle for Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, one of Canada's leading national law firms with offices in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. As a corporate foundation, it channels charitable contributions to community causes aligned with the firm's values and employee interests.
Funding Areas and Community Programs
The foundation supports multiple community initiatives, with a focus on:
- Literacy and Education: BLG Reads to Kids, launched in 2003, partners with schools and organizations to support early literacy for children from junior kindergarten to grade 3, particularly in marginalized communities. The program includes volunteer reading sessions and book donations.
- Youth Development: Support for organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, as evidenced by recent news about foundation activities.
- Annual United Way Campaign: BLG offices across Canada participate in yearly United Way Centraide fundraising, collectively raising over $500,000 annually for local community needs.
Governance and Employee Involvement
The foundation operates as part of BLG's broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework. Firm partners and employees are actively engaged in community involvement through volunteerism, fundraising, and strategic charitable giving decisions.