For 23 years, the Blakes Law Firm Challenge has showcased the generosity, creativity, and collective action of Toronto’s legal community. This year, the challenge raised a record-breaking $735,000 in support of Daily Bread Food Bank. Organized by articling students at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), it engaged 48 law firms across Toronto and marked the highest total raised in the initiative’s history.
To date, the Blakes Law Firm Challenge has raised more than $5.9 million, helping provide the equivalent of millions of meals for people across the city. At a time when more than one in ten Torontonians rely on food banks for emergency food access, that impact is more critical than ever.
“This challenge has really snowballed over the years,” said Wyatt, an articling student at Blakes and one of this year’s organizers. “Every year, participation grows because people are willing to donate their time, step outside their comfort zones, and champion the cause within their own networks. That level of enthusiasm and commitment speaks to how meaningful this initiative has become.”
Across the challenge, participating firms brought the cause to life through a wide range of creative fundraising efforts, from in-office competitions to events that rallied colleagues and broader networks. At Blakes, this year’s theme — Battle of the Decades: Lip Sync Showdown — brought friendly competition and fun to the forefront. Donations determined which teams took to the stage, giving supporters a direct role in shaping the event and keeping the focus squarely on the mission.
“Linking performance to fundraising helped reinforce why we were all there,” said David, an articling student at Blakes who helped lead the challenge. “It wasn’t just about the show — it was about supporting people across Toronto who are facing food insecurity.”
While the amount raised is remarkable, the organizers say the true success lies in the level of engagement across the industry. “Seeing so many firms participate, regardless of fundraising totals, was incredibly humbling,” David added. “That kind of momentum is what will keep this challenge growing year after year.”
Daily Bread is deeply grateful to the Blakes articling students, participating firms, and everyone who helped make this year’s challenge such a meaningful success.
Visit our Start a food drive or fundraising event page to find out how your team can support the more than one in 10 Torontonians who rely on food banks for emergency food access.
