Community Minded

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We are engaged in the communities in which we live and work.

Across all of our Manitoba offices, TDS gives back and is mindful of its responsibility to make a positive contribution to our local communities.

Each year TDS contributes over $250,000, supporting more than 100 worthwhile community initiatives across Manitoba that includes the arts, environment, education, the advancement of medical care, local economic development, children’s causes and providing access to legal services for disadvantaged community members.  TDS is also committed to improving and emphasizing equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace environment. These initiatives are championed by our firm's Equity and Accountability Council composed of both lawyers and firm leadership who identify as allies and members of the LGBTQIA2S* community.

In addition to Firm initiatives, TDS lawyers contribute hundreds of hours of their time volunteering their time to causes they believe in, as well as providing pro bono legal services.

Below are just a few examples of our community work.

 

Ronald McDonald House Charities

TDS lawyer Rick Adams was instrumental in bringing a Ronald McDonald House to Winnipeg.

Starting with a phone call from Rick Adams to McDonald’s headquarters, the community came together to make the dream of a Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg a reality. Together with McDonald representatives, the medical community, and most importantly families that had lost loved ones, a home away from home was created as a haven for those going through terrible times. View the video below to learn more.

TDS continues their support to this day by sponsoring the annual event, Fight for Charity. This event allows the business community to enjoy an evening of entertainment while raising funds for local charities. Click here to learn more about this event.

 

Health Sciences Centre Foundation Technology for Assisted Living Initiative

Since 2013, TDS has made a yearly contribution to the Health Sciences Centre’s (HSC) Technology For Assisted Living initiative to help in the use technology to deliver medical services to people who have challenges getting proper medical care in the traditional sense. With our help, doctors and researchers at HSC have partnered with technology leaders in Manitoba and around the world to bring medical services to many, including:

  • Patients with compromised immune systems
  • Older adults choosing to continue to live independently in their own homes - can have their vitals and medications monitored from home
  • People living with chronic health conditions, especially in rural or remote communities
  • People living northern and remote areas

Most recently, TDS committed $50,000 of support to aid in the development of this program, accelerating the use of new communications and diagnostic/telemonitoring technologies that improve patient care, wellbeing, and safety. This program benefits countless individuals, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative that improves quality of life for Manitobans and keeps families connected.

View the full December 2, 2021 announcement.

 

Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

The Children's Hospital is often the last resort for children and their families to receive care for the medical needs. Each year, there are over 130,000 infants, children and youth across Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut who rely on the hospital each year. In 2022, the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM) launched the province's largest ever comprehensive campaign, with a goal of raising $75 million to help:

  • revamp the emergency department to support increased capacity
  • outfit inpatient units with tools to facilitate the highest level of patient safety
  • create more safe spaces for the increasingly large number of kids experiencing mental health issues
  • enhance programming that helps kids be kids while they are in the hospital

The redesign process for the emergency department began this summer and they are anticipating work to begin on the centre around November 2024, with the hopes that it will only take a year or so to complete.

TDS has committed $50,000 of support to help CHFM reach its fund-raising goals to enhance this essential local community health facility.

 

Minister's Dinner

For over 20 years, TDS has committed to supporting the Minister’s Dinner, a partnership between Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Province of Manitoba in support of the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre.

The Interpretive Centre is a joint partnership of Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Province of Manitoba and its mission is to connect people with wetlands. Over 30,000 children each year visit the successful hands-on learning facility and benefit from the Centre’s high-quality wetland education programs. The experience the children receive not only creates unforgettable memories, but instills in them a permanent sense of respect for their environment and a love of nature.

 

JD Bridges Foundation

The JD Bridges Foundation is a not-for-profit organization existing to build bridges towards the pursuit of legal education for Black students in Canada. There are Black students in Canada who may be deterred from applying to law school due to financial need and JD Bridges aim to bridge that gap by helping students navigate the law school application process through funding and mentorship.

TDS is a Suspension Bridge level supporter, providing a student with the financial means to take the LSAT, including a prep course, study materials and OLSAS fees, in addition to acquiring three university applications, three university transcripts, and personal statement mentor.

True North Square

A notable economic development example of our community involvement was the firm’s decision to become the first tenant and founding partner in True North Square, playing a role in the continued revitalization of downtown Winnipeg.

When complete, True North Square will feature four towers spanning over one million square feet of Class A office, residential, retail, hotel and public space.

Take a virtual tour of our office space by watching our video.

 

The Dream Factory

TDS is pleased to be a 2022 VIP Sponsor of The Dream Factory's annual event.

The lawyers and staff at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP recognize the importance of supporting the community in which they work, live and play. Each year TDS contributes over $250,000 to worthwhile community initiatives that support the Arts, the Environment, the advancement of medical care, and the advancement of technology.

 

FortWhyte Alive

Since its inception, TDS lawyer Alan Scarth was an ambitious advocate for the environment who fought tirelessly to build the business of environmental education. Alan was instrumental in the growth of FortWhyte Alive and we owe much to his visionary legacy.

TDS continues their community involvement to this day, which has furthered their environmental education programs to allow for a more sustainable future.

 

Women in Business

TDS believes that inclusion should not only be part of the conversation about our core values but also strategically practised through policy. We sponsor a number of women's events each year in support of this belief.

Winnipeg Women's Conference

TDS sponsored the inaugural Winnipeg Women’s Conference, held on March 14, 2022. The conference included a full day of engaging activities, beginning with breakfast, networking, keynote speakers, a panel discussion on overcoming obstacles in achieving success, and inspiring breakout sessions.

Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Women Business Owners of Manitoba (WBOM) hosted the annual Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards the evening of Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Manitoba Club.

The women entrepreneurs selected for these awards are leaders in our community, dedicated role models, and have a strong passion and determination to succeed and contribute to the economic development of Manitoba. As many businesses have struggled since the beginning of COVID, it is more important than ever to celebrate and honour the success of those that have been able to succeed. WBOM had over 150 nominations this past year and has declared 14 finalists. TDS was a sponsor of the event, and TDS lawyer Lisa Stiver acted as a judge and evaluated the nominations.