Despite 2020 being a strain financially and emotionally for many people, one Barrie law firm was able to raise $20,000 for some local charities.
Since May, JMS Law and Associates has been supporting the community through charitable donations where they are needed most.
The downtown law firm, located at 80 Worsley St., has been donating 10 per cent of its monthly fees from wills, powers of attorney and real estate transactions to a local charity.
JMS Law’s principal lawyer, Joanna Shaw, told BarrieToday the idea was sparked by her son, Matthew, who is also with the firm, and was all about helping as many people as they could.
“When COVID-19 started to affect the people in our community, Matthew said we needed to find a way to help. We all agreed and we are already charitably minded, so we focused on raising money for some in the area,” she said.
Dealing heavily with family and children’s law, recipient charities included Rainbows for All Children Canada, Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer, the MacLaren Art Centre, Luana’s Bookshelf, Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children, COPE Service Dogs, and the Barrie Food Bank.
JMS Law has what they call an 'awakened approach to law,' which Shaw says helps bring peace to many situations.
“I am definitely a yogi and use meditation to help myself, and suggest it for our staff who may face different battles,” she said. “Our approach to our work is one of compassion and care, which is certainly needed nowadays.”
All of the 13 staff at JMS Law were happy to donate, which Shaw says was encouraging as they are “not a big firm with lots of resources.”
“My team is pretty young and have brilliant ideas, as Matthew had this one. I feel like it’s my job to encourage them to grow and mentor them to do great and small things that makes an impact in the community,” she said.
“Making a positive impact is one of our values embedded in the work we do each day.”
