Calgary Homeless Foundation: Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP Sponsors 2011 Project Homeless Connects


CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 19, 2011) -

Editor's Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation (CHF) welcomed Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (BD&P) as the lead sponsor of Project Homeless Connect (PHC) events in 2011. The firm will sponsor three PHCs, including one held today and two others in the spring and fall.

"Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer has supported the Calgary Homeless Foundation for over 10 years," said Craig Hill, Partner. "Taking on the lead sponsorship for Project Homeless Connect events in 2011 was a natural evolution of our support and concern for the community which we all call home." 

Along with financial support, BD&P employees were part of a group of about 100 volunteers who pitched in to serve lunch, guide clients, distribute clothes and providesecurity at Project Homeless Connect.

"Despite the cold weather, everyone is so appreciative and friendly," said Kristen Brown, Marketing Coordinator at B&DP as she served coffee and muffins. "Volunteering really helps you go beyond the label of homeless, and see that each person has a unique situation."

With more than 800 people at risk of or experiencing homelessness attending the 11th PHC, the total served reached more than 8,500 men, women and children. Those attending can access support from more than 40 agencies and services.

One of the busiest agencies is Calgary Legal Guidance, which has a team of 20 volunteers made up of lawyers, paralegals, retirees and university students. More than 160 people sought help during the day, getting advice on by-law fines and warrants and help with temporary identification.

"There is a real need to get people identification," said Katie Wolfe, I.D. outreach worker for Calgary Legal Guidance and United Way of Calgary and Area. "The added bonus at PHC is that they come for I.D. legal help and then find other services at the agencies to help them."

Other services at Project Homeless Connect include medical treatment, provision of identification, mental health services, income support, employment counselling, haircuts and more. Those attending also receive comfort kits, clothing and a nutritious, hot lunch.

The next Project Homeless Connect will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Suncor Energy Centre. Calgarians wishing to learn more about participating in a Project Homeless Connect are invited to visit www.calgaryhomeless.com under Events.

The Calgary Homeless Foundation leads the implementation of Calgary's 10 Year Plan in partnership with the many homeless serving agencies, the private sector, government partners, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary once and for all. Calgarians wishing to contribute by making donations or volunteering are encouraged to go to www.calgaryhomeless.com.

Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (BD&P) is a leading, full service Canadian law firm of over 135 lawyers skilled in virtually every aspect of business law and litigation. BD&P has recently been ranked #1 in Canada for 2010 in Bloomberg's Global Legal Adviser League Tables in representation of issuers in Canadian equity offerings, both in number of deals and aggregate deal value.

Contact Information: Calgary Homeless Foundation
Andrea Ranson
403-718-8539
andrea@calgaryhomeless.com
www.calgaryhomeless.com
or
Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP
Kristen Brown
403-260-0345
kmbrown@bdplaw.com