Queen’s Law students have a long history of philanthropic efforts and charitable events. Over time, this has developed into a proud tradition, which new students take on with renewed excitement and creativity each year. This year is no exception, with several student clubs and groups engaging in charitable fundraising activities and other forms of giving.

Whitney Abrams, Law ’16, understands the importance of philanthropy as part of the Queen’s Law experience. “I think that’s a huge part of Queen’s Law and there’s something special about having an event for the sake of charity,” she says. “It’s just nice to give back and keep that as an important value for us as we enter into our professional careers.”

She should know. Abrams is not only co-president of the Queen’s Law Cancer Society (QLCS), but also co-organizer of the school’s talent show. Lawlapalooza, held at the downtown Ale House on Feb. 10, featured student soloists and bands performing musical numbers that ranged from pop song covers and an original rap song to a cello instrumental. The event also raised $3,000 to be split between Joe’s Mill, an organization that loans musical instruments to low-income students and schools, and the Alzheimer’s Society.

“Lawla is fortunate to be funded by Cassels Brock and the Law Students’ Society,” says Abrams. “That gives us a lot of free reign to be creative, and also means that 100 per cent of the proceeds go to charity. People get to watch an amazing show and feel good about donating their money to our causes."

QLCS focuses its efforts on raising funds for cancer research through a variety of events, including the annual Cabaret for the Cure. This dance-centric show features numbers choreographed and performed exclusively by Queen’s Law students, in addition to comedy interludes, food and raffles. The 2015 event was a massive success, raising $14,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Abrams and co-president Hailey Abramsky, Law’16, who is also a lead choreographer, took over Cabaret when it was a small show at a small venue raising approximately $3,000 annually. “While this was very commendable, we knew that the Queen’s Law community had the spirit and the work ethic to raise so much more,” says Abramsky. “We were so proud when they helped blow our fundraising goal out of the water, with over 100 students performing in the show before an audience of approximately 300.”

This year’s Cabaret show takes place on March 18 and will once again be held at the Grand Theater, Kingston’s prime performing arts venue. “With practices already underway, this year’s show promises to be just as amazing, if not even better!” Abramsky says.

First-year students also dove into the giving back tradition with an initiative of their own. They worked together to help the local community with the “Ryandale Shelter for the Homeless Donation Drive.” Organizers motivated students to contribute in a competition amongst the small-section classes to achieve the highest participation rate.

One new and particularly special fundraising event this year helped bring Syrian refugees to a new home in Kingston. The Queen’s Law Refugee Support Program was founded by Law’16 students Jess Spindler, Rosa Stall, Lauren Wilson and Kaisha Thompson. The group raised part of the funds to privately sponsor three individuals, committing to paying for a young refugee’s first full year in Canada. Their work has already been paid forward, with the Queen’s Law sponsored refugee already committing to giving back and planning to help other refugees who come to Kingston after him.

Other events included Cover the Crest, which raised enough money to buy a desperately needed washing machine for a local shelter, Movember fundraising for prostate cancer research, clothing drives and food drives, and various “smokers” to help raise funds for clubs that work to either improve student life at law school, or to donate to other causes around the world.

As new students join Queen’s Law each year, they will continue the tradition of involving themselves in these events and initiatives, contributing their own thoughts and ideas to making them bigger, better and even more successful.