For more than 11 years, Osler has proudly supported StopGap Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and removing barriers faced by people with disabilities. StopGap advances its mission through two core initiatives: building and donating specially adapted mobile wheelchair ramps for single-stepped storefronts and delivering educational programming that promotes a deeper understanding of disability in schools and workplaces.
Osler’s relationship with StopGap began in 2013, when the firm assisted with the organization’s incorporation and successful application for charitable status. Since then, Osler has advised on a wide range of ongoing legal matters. The firm’s work has focused primarily on commercial arrangements, including drafting supply agreements with individual businesses and municipalities seeking to procure ramps, as well as contracts for StopGap’s educational programming at various venues. The firm also supports employment-related matters, such as independent contractor and volunteer agreements for ramp supply and delivery and handles corporate governance issues as needed.
Commenting on Osler’s pro bono work for StopGap, Lucas Versteegh, an associate and StopGap’s primary point of contact at the firm, notes that Osler’s decision to take on StopGap reflects a deep, institutional commitment to pro bono service. He emphasizes that pro bono matters are never deprioritized, are held to the same quality standards as paid work and are supported through an approval process that is consistently efficient and not bogged down by administrative hurdles. Osler’s longstanding partnership with StopGap exemplifies the firm’s dedication to pro bono clients and its belief in the importance of their missions.
“There is a palpable commitment to the pro bono work we do at Osler,” says Lucas.
Reflecting on his work for StopGap, Lucas highlights the personal meaning he finds in advancing StopGap’s mission to improve understanding and dismantle barriers for the disabled community. He underscores the professional satisfaction of applying his legal expertise to address the organization’s challenges and further its goals. He also credits the energy, positivity, and unwavering commitment of StopGap’s founder, Luke Anderson, as a powerful motivator to deliver his best work on the organization’s behalf.
“It is very rewarding to apply your expertise to an enterprise that’s an unambiguous good,” says Lucas. “I have so much appreciation for all of Luke’s efforts, goals, and commitment … I’m thrilled we get the opportunity to work with him.”
Lucas says that StopGap benefits the broader Toronto community in visible ways through its brightly coloured ramps, which both enable access and signal a commitment to inclusion, and in less visible but equally important ways through its educational programming. These contributions, essential to building a more disability-inclusive environment, have been supported in part by Osler’s dedicated pro bono representation of StopGap over many years.
