Wards in the Community
A look at some of the moments, initiatives, and partnerships we’ve been proud to be part of.
Haunt Your Home
From 2009 to 2014, “HYH” (Haunt Your Home) was our Halloween decorating contest - open to homes, schools, and businesses across the region.
Entrants submitted photos and videos, the public voted, and winners received cash and prizes at an end-of-contest celebration. Over the years, HYH raised over $30,000 in support of the Kawartha Lakes Boys & Girls Club and other local charities - and, just as importantly, it brought families together for something joyful.
Kids’ Road Hockey Tournament
From 2014 to 2019, Wards Lawyers and a team of dedicated volunteers delivered the Kid’s Road Hockey Tournament in downtown Lindsay - shutting down Kent Street for a free, day-long tournament for kids aged 8 to 13.
The event raised over $20,000 in support of youth mental health, and brought together local businesses and community members through food, prizes, and special activities.
Winning teams earned the honour of having their names added to life-sized Stanley Cup replicas.
Wards Wonder Years
After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hosted our comeback community event on October 1, 2023 to mark the Firm’s 20th anniversary.
Wards Wonder Years was a town-wide scavenger hunt with checkpoints tied to meaningful places and moments from the past 20 years in Lindsay - including fun challenges and prizes. The day wrapped with a family festival in Victoria Park featuring live music, food, and games.
Downtown Beautification
In 2022, Wards Lawyers transformed our alleyway into a vibrant destination spot - inspired by the Renaissance on Hunter Road mural project in Peterborough. Led by Melissa Wemyss, the goal was simple: turn an overlooked space into something that reflects the energy of downtown Lindsay.
We invited Kawartha Lakes artists and collectives to submit proposals, creating a platform for local talent and a project designed for public enjoyment.
Local artists Christina Dedes and Julia Derue submitted the winning proposal. Their work reflects the City of Kawartha Lakes - including the meaning behind Kawartha (“land of reflections”), local land and water, the Victoria Railway, and the region’s “Jump In” spirit.
The Grove Theatre
The Grove Theatre is a professional performing arts company in Fenelon Falls - the first artistic venture of its kind in this Kawartha Lakes community. Through its outdoor amphitheatre, The Grove produces an annual season of theatre, presents renowned Canadian guest artists, and hosts community events.
We’re proud to support their growing programming, including a drama camp for young people - a creative environment where campers develop theatre skills, confidence, and social connection through collaboration and performance.
“I just wanted to stop by and say thank you again for your sponsorship of The Grove camp. My daughter had such a fantastic couple weeks and the flowers you brought just made all the kids days.”
Classics on Kent
In 2024, Wards Lawyers was excited to partner with the Lindsay Downtown BIA to bring you Classics on Kent - held each year on the third Sunday of July, with hundreds of classic cars lining historic downtown Lindsay.
We’re proud to support the continued tradition of Classics on Kent: a day that brings people together, supports the local economy, raises funds for local charity, and builds community pride.
Featured community initiatives
Community partnerships
We’re proud to support organizations and initiatives across the region, including:
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OYF Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers
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Alzheimer Society
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LCVI Grad Award (Law)
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Optimist Youth Soccer
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Kawartha Cubs Baseball
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AAA Peterborough Petes
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Canada Day Fireworks (Lindsay)
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Junior Achievement Northern & Eastern Ontario
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Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes
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Ross Memorial Hospital
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Women’s Resources
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Kawartha Lakes Food Source
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Big Brothers, Big Sisters Kawartha Lakes–Haliburton
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Five Counties Children’s Centre
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CKL Food for Kids
Why we do it
Community is one of our core values - not because it sounds good, but because it’s true. We practise locally, we raise our families here, and we care about the health of the region we serve.
We support initiatives that create connection, celebrate local identity, and make Kawartha Lakes a stronger place to live, work, and build.