Community Involvement

Pictured from left to right: Kyle Hampson, Nicole Kucherenko, and Mike Henley

Capstone Charity Golf Tournament: June 26th, 2023

On June 26th, lawyers Kyle Hampson, Nicole Kucherenko, and Mike Henley participated in a golf tournament hosted by Capstone Real Estate Professionals. The tournament benefitted two local organizations, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. Both foundations help women and children find safety from abuse and violence.

McKenzie Lake volunteers putting their baking skills to the test.

Ronald McDonald House Volunteer Baking: June 22nd, 2023

On Thursday, June 22nd our Guelph team had the pleasure of volunteering at Ronald McDonald House. The team put their baking skills to the test and made a scrumptious selection of muffins, brownies, and chocolate desserts.

Those who attended include Brenda Hearse, Martha Edwards, Laura Muller, Danielle Giddy, Amy McEachern and Michelle Courchain.

Pictured from left to right: Kayla Gordon, Catherine Shearer, Nicole Kucherenko, and Alex Verrilli.

Guelph Wish Fund’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament: June 16th, 2023

McKenzie Lake’s Guelph team was honoured to take part in Guelph Wish Fund for Children’s 35th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. This event was held at Victoria Park East Golf Club, and the team enjoyed a fantastic day of golf in support of the Guelph Wish Fund — an organization dedicated to granting wishes for Guelph/Wellington children living with a significant illness, life-altering injury or rare and debilitating syndrome.

Photo of the McKenzie Lake team at an Annual General Meeting.

Ronald McDonald House Celebration and General Meeting: June 7th, 2023

We were thrilled to be invited to the Ronald McDonald House 2022 Celebration and Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 7th. McKenzie Lake has long been involved with Ronald McDonald House since our Family Room Makeover at Children’s Hospital in 2019 and our ongoing volunteer chefs who attend to make meals for those staying at the house. Enjoying dinner and accepting recognition on behalf of the firm were some of our regular volunteers.

Photo of the McKenzie Lake team at Springbank Park.

Mike’s Superhero Walk: May 27th, 2023

On Saturday at Springbank Park, the Marvellous McKenzie Lakers took part in Mike’s 3k Superhero Walk for Brain Injury Awareness! The team enjoyed an active morning of fun and community spirit in support of the Brain Injury Association of London and Region. As of this week, the foundation has raised an impressive $7,250, very close to their goal of $10,000.

Dinner at Ronald McDonald House: May 11th, 2023

On May 11th, 2023, our wonderful McKenzie Lake volunteer chefs had a blast at the Ronald McDonald House Dinner, preparing and serving food! They put their skills to the test and made Spaghetti and Meatballs, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

SARI Therapeutic Riding’s 2023 Fundraiser: Day at the Derby

The McKenzie Lake team was off to the races on May 6th, 2023 in support of SARI Therapeutic Riding’s annual Day at the Derby fundraising event. 

Thank you to all the organizers and participants who coordinated the live music, southern-inspired menu, Kentucky Derby live-stream, and the delightful selection of cocktails from the host, Paradigm Distillery. 

Pictured from left to right: Laura Bees, Hilary Jenkins, Ashley Caldwell, Louis DelSignore, Sarah Kirshin-Neilans, Mavis Butkus, Emily Assini and Jennifer Butkus.

Community Fridge London: April 26th, 2023

McKenzie Lake is proud to be a sponsor of London’s first Community Fridge Initiative.

Starting September 14^th, the community fridge will be operational, located at St. John the Divine Parish 390 Baseline Road. The site will provide supplies 24/7, making it uniquely different from many food banks and cupboards that have food available, only during business hours. People are encouraged to take what they need, when they need it.

Food and dry goods are supplied by Londoners, businesses with excess, and by restaurants who have surplus after their day. The fridge is monitored daily by volunteers to ensure food is safe, and the area clean. The local health unit will be involved with us to ensure all health and safety standards are embraced. 

Dinner at Ronald McDonald House: 2023

A team of McKenzie Lake’s volunteer chefs spent an evening last week in the kitchen cooking up a great meal at the Ronald McDonald House! On the menu was chicken and broccoli casserole, salad, and salted caramel brownies for dessert.  

The RMHC provides a place to stay for out-of-town families with seriously ill children – only 165 steps from Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.  
 

Dinner at Ronald McDonald House: 2023

Our McKenzie Lake volunteer chefs recently spent an evening at the Ronald McDonald House, preparing and serving food. The meal included Taco Casserole (also called Mexican Lasagna), salad and Blueberry Peach Cobbler for dessert.

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Roll n Bowl 2023

The McKenzie Lake Pin Pals and Spare Pin Pals hit the lanes in London earlier this week in support of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario’s annual Roll n Bowl.

Thank you to all the organizers and participants who helped create a fun night of bowling to raise funds in support of people living with spinal cord injuries and their families in our community.

Stove to Freezer Night for Community Fridge London

Members of the firm spent an evening cooking and meal-prepping for Community Fridge London. On the menu were two big pots of chilli, one pot of vegetarian chilli and homemade oatmeal muffins.

The chilli and muffins were packaged, labelled and stored in Community Fridge London’s freezer for distribution by volunteers over the coming weeks. Community Fridge London is open 24/7 and is located at St. John the Divine Church.

Holiday Donations 2022

In the spirit of giving for the holidays, McKenzie Lake Lawyers have teamed up with local organizations to provide food, gifts, and other donations to those in need.

The London office ran a mitten and food drive through December in partnership with Community Fridge London, where they were able to provide non-perishable items, along with a gift certificate to purchase much-needed fresh produce. The Guelph office teamed up with Adopt-a-Family to provide gifts and other necessities for two local families who need support during the holiday season.

Ronald McDonald House Holiday Decorating

In 2019 McKenzie Lake sponsored the renovation of the RMHC Family Room at Children’s Hospital.

The Family Room is an extension of the services provided by Ronald McDonald House, providing a comfortable environment for families who are unable to leave the hospital, or who are not eligible to stay at Ronald McDonald House. The Family Room provides bedrooms for napping, showers for a much-needed refresh, and quiet space for respite. Snacks, coffee and laundry facilities are also available. 

Members of McKenzie Lake recently joined in to help decorate the Christmas Tree and the Family Room, pictured from left to right: Jasmine Smith, Laura Bees, Nicole Willert and Lisa Leitch.

TD Stair Climb for United Way Elgin Middlesex

McKenzie Lake participated in the 25th annual TD Stair Climb for United Way Elgin Middlesex in support of neighbours in need.

A huge thank you to Christina Noble for helping organize Team McKenzie Lake and participating with fellow teammates Jennifer Harding, Michelle Weaver, Pia Sorri, Gigi Alghosein, and Danielle Sparks, who climbed for a great cause!

Community Fridge London

Grand opening of London’s first Community Fridge! McKenzie Lake is delighted to be a sponsor of this wonderful initiative. 

Pictured at the ribbon cutting event are McKenzie Lake’s Managing Partner Mike Peerless, Committee Members Patti Lake and Kathleen Murphy along with many other volunteers who have made this initiative come to fruition.

Get Your Kick On 2022

We were proud to be the presenting sponsor for this year’s Get Your Kick On event in support of Children’s Hospital, held on June 22nd, at East Park Golf. The day was filled with fun, some friendly competition, and great food.

Thank you to all those that participated including our teams, Still Kick’n, Pleased to Cleat You, Weapons of Grass Destruction, and The Supreme Course!

McKenzie Lake Takes Home the Red Cape

During the month of May, the Marvellous McKenzie Lakers teamed up to fundraise for Mike’s Superhero Walk for Brain Injury Awareness. Through fundraising and the 3K Community Walk at Springbank Park on May 14th, team McKenzie Lake raised the most funds at $4,230.00, in support of the Brain Injury Association of London & Region.

Katharine Creighton and Sarah Kirshin-Neilans attended last week’s 2022 Brain Injury Conference and were presented with the coveted red cape.

Mike’s Superhero Walk for Brain Injury Awareness 2022

Throughout May 2022, the Marvellous McKenzie Lakers teamed up to fundraise for Mike’s Superhero Walk for Brain Injury Awareness. 

Between fundraising and the 3K Community Walk at Springbank Park this past weekend, we are proud to share that the team won the coveted red cape for raising the most funds at $4,230.00, in support of the Brain Injury Association of London & Region.

SARI Bowling for Ponies 2022

We were thrilled to sponsor 15+ bowlers for SARI’s Bowling for Ponies 2022 event. The event held on April 3rd was a fun night for everyone involved with 92 bowlers and $36,000 raised for their therapeutic riding initiatives. 

McKenzie Lake Holiday Care Initiatives

With a long history of giving back to the London community where we live and work, members of McKenzie Lake Lawyers are hard at work on our holiday care initiatives. Our lawyers and staff are helping collect toys, non-perishable food items and raising funds through 50/50 draws for the Business Cares Food Drive.

After hearing the call for help by the Salvation Army of London, as shown by CTV News London’s story on December 2nd, the Partners of McKenzie Lake Lawyers have donated $10,000.00 to the Salvation Army’s Christmas wish list.

Dinner Prep at Ronald McDonald House

It was great to be back at the Ronald McDonald House prepping some dinner meals, including a Greek Chicken Bake! The RMHC provides a place to stay for out-of-town families with seriously ill children, where they can stay for as long as they need – only 165 steps from Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre. 

Get Your Kick On 2021

On Thursday July 29^th, 2021, members of McKenzie Lake participated in the 4th Annual Get Your Kick On tournament. We were thrilled to be the presenting sponsor for this year’s event. Thank you to all those that participated including our Teams the Supreme Course and McKenzie Lakers. 

This year the event raised $21,864, contributing to a lifetime total of $53,666! The funds raised provide much needed support to the Child Life Program at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre. 

United Way Fundraiser

In early November, McKenzie Lake Lawyers was happy to participate in the annual United Way Campaign. Our team participated in the Scotiabank StairClimb by climbing the stairs in our office building, walking around the block and doing jumping jacks to “step up” for United Way. We also held numerous 50/50 draws and Dress Down week to raise additional funds.   

Our fundraising efforts have raised $1,941 to date. Proceeds go towards supporting local people and families in our London community.

Dinners & Dessert at Ronald McDonald House

A small but mighty team cooked a scrumptious dinner for families staying at Ronald McDonald House on Saturday, November 7th. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, Rice, Egg Rolls and Chicken Wontons, along with a Cherry Pineapple Cobbler for dessert were served!

Thanks to our volunteers for shopping and preparing these delicious meals for our community. 

Cooking and Baking at Ronald McDonald House

On Tuesday, October 27th, the McKenzie Lake team prepared some delicious meals for families staying at Ronald McDonald House. On the menu was Tomato Sausage Casserole, Rice, Salad, Garlic Bread and finally Cherry Cheesecake for dessert. 

Thank you to our volunteers for always contributing to this charitable organization.

Baking Night at Ronald McDonald House

The McKenzie Lake team had another fantastic night baking at Ronald McDonald House on Thursday, October 15th.

Our Master Bakers made some delectable Oatmeal Cookies, Pumpkin Muffins, Butter Tart Squares, and Nutty Buddy Snack Mix for families with ill children staying at their home-away-from-home. 

As always, a big thank you to our volunteers!

Clothing Donations for ClothingWorks

For the second year, McKenzie Lake was happy to collect some clothing donations for ClothingWorks, a valued resource in the community that provides job seekers with high quality clothing and confidence to meet with prospective employers. 

Hosted by Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, Clothing Works is a charitable community program with a mission to promote economic independence of people through initiatives such as providing individuals with professional attire, a network of support and tools to foster achievement in work and life. 

Cooking a Fall Dinner & Baking at Ronald McDonald House

The McKenzie Lake team prepared a comforting fall dinner for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario on September 28^th.

Our volunteers made some delicious homemade tomato soup, grilled cheese and apple crisp, then baked blueberry muffins, ginger snaps, chocolate chip Skor cookies and apple cake for them to enjoy — how scrumptious! 

Baking at Ronald McDonald House

On September 18th, the McKenzie Lake team had some Friday night fun baking at Ronald McDonald House! We routinely participate in cooking and baking evenings for this amazing organization that supports sick children and their families. 

We baked over 10 dozen of these delicious, sweet treats: 

• Pumpkin Cupcakes 
• Banana Nut Muffins 
• Chocolate Macaroons 
• Rocky Road Squares 
• Chocolate Bar Squares 

Children’s Health Foundation Golf Classic Sponsorship and Tournament

What a lovely day to participate in the 31st RBC Annual Children’s Health Foundation Golf Classic tournament! McKenzie Lake was honoured to be a Gold Sponsor of this exciting event held at the Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. With a long history of sponsoring and participating in this annual tournament, the circumstances this year weren’t going to stop us from being involved in our community. Although the overall event format was different from previous years, everyone had just as much fun!

Proceeds go towards the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, the Thames Valley Children’s Centre, and the Children’s Health Research Institute, with efforts to support children’s health in our region. #GolfClassicTournament #ChildrensHealthFoundation #ChildrensGolfClassic #McKenzieLake #ldnont

Get Your Kick On Foot Golf for Children’s Hospital

McKenzie Lake was pleased to be a Platinum level sponsor for the 2020 Get Your Kick On Foot Golf Tournament with proceeds supporting the Children’s Health Foundation and the Child Life Program. This year despite the new safe distancing requirements and changes, the event helped raise $13,839.00!

For more information about this event you can visit: https://childhealth.ca/events/get-your-kick-on/

SARI Therapeutic Riding

Personal Injury Partner Louis DelSignore and Class Action Lawyer Emily Assini are pictured here in front of the gorgeous Highland Green Stables, a neighborhood supporter of SARI’s Therapeutic Riding.

Earlier this year McKenzie Lake adopted Willow, a Belgian Quarter Horse through SARI’s Adopt-A-Pony program which helps support Willow and all she needs to bring happy times to those that interact with her. 

Emily is President of SARI’s Board of Directors and both Emily and Louis are avid equestrians and supporters of SARI.  Visit their site for more information on the riding program and information about their upcoming Day At the Derby fundraiser – www.sari.ca

Ronald McDonald House Dinners

Whether it’s baking up a storm at Ronald McDonald House on January 17th or cooking dinner for 75 plus people on February 4th, volunteers at McKenzie Lake continue to get out and get involved with our #LdnOnt community. Our Baking team consisted of Sue Noorloos, Nicole Willert, Lisa Brajkovic, Justin Bozzo, Brenda Poirier, Julie Zamprogna, Yvonne LaRoche, and Brenda Hearse.

Our Cooking team (including a big cohort from our Personal Injury Team) consisted of Alexa Duggan, Karen Delaney, Kris Moriarty, Brenda Hearse, Nicole Willert, Laurie Hause, and Judith Hull.

Thank you to all the volunteers for continuing to participate with #RMHLondon evenings.

Christmas Cooking for Ronald McDonald House

Our team was at Ronald McDonald House on December 21st helping prepare a homemade meal for those staying at the house with children at Children’s Hospital – London Health Sciences Centre.

On the menu were a delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole, Caesar salad, buns, and Mississippi Mud for dessert.

Thank you to our volunteers seen here in a photo from left to right: Ken Donaghy, Martha Edwards, Nicole Willert, Lillie Prevost, and Brenda Hearse and Alice Van Deven (missing from the photo).

CIBC Run For The Cure – McKenzie Lake Supports Amy’s Avengers

Congratulations to Team McKenzie Lake aka Amy’s Avengers and everyone who participated in Sunday’s CIBC Run For The Cure. The team surpassed our original goal of $3500.00 bringing us to $6,184.50!

We raised this money in support of one of our own, Amy Sauder and all those afflicted with breast cancer.

New Canvas of Life in Support of Multi-Organ Transplant

We’re proud to be title sponsor for the New Canvas of Life 50 Shades of Colour event, in support of @LHSCCanada Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Join us on Tuesday, April 21 for a night full of fun and enjoy:

✅ ​Live Art Battle
✅ Art Auction
✅ ​Interactive Entertainment

#ldnont #newcanvasoflife #advantagecreated

Ronald McDonald House Dinners

November 6th, 2021 – Another successful Dinner Night at Ronald McDonald House.

Our volunteer Chefs for the evening included Bonnie Desjarlais, Jessica Milhomens, Brenda Hearse, Nicole Willer and Martha Edwards. On the menu – Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry, Egg Rolls and Butter Tarts for dessert.

Great job team!

Thank you to all the volunteers for continuing to participate with #RMHLondon evenings.

#keepingfamiliesclose