Miller Thomson lawyers and employees from across the country join forces in
support of Haiti

- Over $122,000 Raised -

TORONTO, Feb. 19 /CNW/ - On Tuesday January 12, 2010, we witnessed the catastrophic earthquake that destroyed Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti. The Red Cross estimates that more than 3 million people have been afflicted by this disaster. The extent of the destruction and disarray to the city and its population is enormous and requires urgent action to help with relief efforts, and later on with rebuilding the country.

This tragedy has moved all Canadians, particularly those in Montreal, since this city is home to the largest Haitian community in Canada, approximately 120,000. In a demonstration of solidarity and to respond to the current and future needs brought about by this disaster, Miller Thomson's Montreal office spearheaded the formation of a National Relief Committee to show compassion and support for the people of Haiti.

The Committee was chaired by Montréal partner Patricia Fourcand who was born in Haiti and spent most of her childhood in Port-au-Prince. Her goal and that of the committee was to organize a cohesive strategy to encourage contributions to raise funds for Haiti.

Thanks to the tireless and creative efforts of committee members, Nicole Taylor-Smith (Calgary), Debra Curcio Lister (Edmonton), Douglas Best (Toronto/Markham), Sandra Enticknap (Vancouver), and Steve Lubczuk (Kitchener-Waterloo, London and Guelph), Miller Thomson raised a total of $122,370 which was donated this week primarily to the Red Cross, and to a small number of other not-for-profit organizations supporting Haiti.

"When you take into account the Canadian government's undertaking to match all donations from individuals, that brings Miller Thomson's donation close to $200,000. A truly extraordinary effort on the part of many kind-hearted and generous people we have at the firm," said Ms. Fourcand.

Seeing her native country and its population devastated, Ms. Fourcand felt it was her duty to help personally and to encourage the legal community, with the support of her colleagues at Miller Thomson, to raise funds in order to provide relief and hope to the survivors of the earthquake. Funds were raised through various initiatives at Miller Thomson offices including casual days, talent shows, bake sales, silent auctions and voluntary cash donations.

About Miller Thomson LLP

Miller Thomson has close to 450 lawyers and 650 administrative staff working across Canada in offices located in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Markham and Montréal. The firm provides a complete range of business law, advocacy and personal legal services to corporations, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, governments, not-for-profit organizations and individuals.

www.millerthomson.com

For further information: Media Contacts: Cristina Marano, Miller Thomson LLP, Toronto, [phone], [email protected]; Valérie Tasse, Miller Thomson Pouliot SENCRL, Montréal, [phone], [email protected]