Like many of our clients, SGM believes that the law is but one of many tools to achieve social justice. As a result, SGM's commitment to social justice does not end at the courtroom door, but extends into the community.
In addition to our pro bono work, as a firm, SGM has supported a number of community organizations that reflect and promote the progressive ideals we share with our clients. Over the years, SGM has donated funds, time and energy to causes such as:
- Stephen Lewis Foundation (supports grassroots organizations fighting HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa)
- Partners in the Horn of Africa (undertakes aid projects)
- Canadian Federation of Housing Cooperatives Diversity Scholarship
- Toronto Educational Opportunities Fund
- EGALE (advances equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-identified people and their families across Canada)
- ARC International (advances equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangendered people at an international level)
- Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted
- Lawyers Feed the Hungry Program
- Canadian Association of Food Banks
- Women's Future Fund
- Canadian Women's Foundation
- LEAF (Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund)
In 1994, several SGM lawyers provided information regarding Canada's Constitution and constitutional law to South African lawyers who were helping to draft that country's first democratic constitution. A few months later, SGM received a copy of the new South African Constitution with a personalized message from Nelson Mandela.
As individuals, SGM's lawyers have dedicated time and energy in support of a diverse array of important causes. SGM lawyers have been actively involved in the following organizations, frequently as members and/or directors of boards or special committees:
- Canadian Civil Liberties Association
- Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
- West Coast Environmental Law Association
- United Way Allocation Committee
- Homestarts Incorporated
- Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted
- Homes First Society
- Cityhome (City of Toronto Non-Profit Housing Corporation)
- Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority
- Jessie’s Centre for Teenagers
- Pathways to Education
- Supporting our Youth (dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered youth in Toronto)
- Friends’ Daycare
- Huntington Society of Canada
- ARC (Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists)
- Toronto Cycling Committee
- Palmerston Area Residents’ Association
- Canadian Conference of the ArtsÂ
- Artscape Inc. and Artscape Foundation (provides low cost housing and work space to artists)
- Theatre Pleaides
- Poculi Ludique Societas (dedicated to preserving and performing medieval dramatic works)
- AIDS Action Now!
- Law Union of Ontario (coalition of progressive lawyers, law students and legal workers that strives to develop collective approaches to bring about social justice)
- HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic (Ontario)
