Lawyers Feed the Hungry

If you are interested in volunteering with Lawyers Feed the Hungry please contact Imran at Imran.kamal@hamiltonccas.on.ca

Lawyers Feed the Hungry is a province-wide initiative that Imran heard about while living and working in different cities across Ontario. However, it wasn’t until he moved to Hamilton four years ago, that he realized just how impactful the program could be, not only to the community but for the lawyers, judges and court staff participating. “I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into,” he recalls, “but everything has all fallen into place.”

Imran currently works as Legal Counsel for the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. He started to gauge interest for Lawyers Feed the Hungry by first reaching out to colleagues who then began reaching out to their co-workers and eventually Imran was able to organize info meetings and form an organizing committee for the program. Lawyers Feed the Hungry is now supported by a small team of volunteers who coordinate and communicate with members of the Bar Association to spread the word about this incredible opportunity. “The Law Society Foundation is also a big help,” he said, “they handle our receipts and website which makes things run very smoothly.”

With over 100 participants already in the program, Lawyers Feed the Hungry is scheduled to continue serving the Youth Afterschool Meal Program one to two times a month for the next year! “There is already a waiting list for new participants who want to help at Mission Services in 2019,” he mentioned, shaking his head in awe. “I cannot get over how positive the reaction has been from so many members of the Bar.” Each time a group comes to serve at Mission Services they bring positivity, a hard work ethic and a cheque for $400 in support of the Youth Afterschool Meal Program.

“Lawyers are often seen as money driven and are often very busy, so it’s easy to get stuck in the rat race,” Imran told us. “It’s important to remember that not everyone lives the same life and it’s important to give back to the community which has given so much to us.” Imran set out on a mission to help make change in our community, and he has certainly helped to do so. “We are giving something back together, as lawyers, judges and court staff,” he said. “I feel honoured to work in a legal community that is so happy to help and give back.”