The Allard School of Law at UBC is pleased to announce a second gift of $150,000 from the Y. P. Heung Foundation in support of Rise Women’s Legal Centre.
Rise, a partnership between the Allard School of Law and West Coast LEAF, opened its doors in 2016 and currently assists an average of 30 women per week on family law related matters. It is the first clinic of its kind in BC and focuses on providing low income, self-identified women in the Lower Mainland who do not qualify for legal aid with much-needed legal representation in family law and related areas. This representation is provided by students from the Allard School of Law, under the supervision of a practicing lawyer.
Due to Covid-19, Rise has noticed its services are more in demand as instances of domestic violence and child protection continue to climb throughout the province: “[We} are busier than ever because women still face the exacerbated tensions of living with abusers, and abusers using Covid-19 as a new way to manipulate the situation and cause harm. On top of that, clients continue to come to us with the usual family law matters (divorce, child support etc.) in a province where access to justice is anything but accessible,” says Andrea Bryson, case manager at Rise.
“[We} are busier than ever because women still face the exacerbated tensions of living with abusers, and abusers using Covid-19 as a new way to manipulate the situation and cause harm.
“Now, more than ever, accessible legal services in the area of family law are needed. We are pleased to continue supporting Rise and the countless women across the province who benefit from its services,” noted Raymond Heung, foundation trustee.
The Y. P. Heung Foundation first supported Rise in 2017 with an initial gift of $150,000 and has generously renewed its support of this important program.
“The Allard School of Law is grateful to the Y. P. Heung Foundation for its generous commitment to Rise and its efforts to support women by providing much needed access to justice for those who otherwise couldn’t afford legal representation—especially at a time where women and children are facing further difficulties related to Covid-19” said Dean pro tem Janine Benedet. “As well, it provides our students with hands on legal experience which is paramount to a well-rounded legal education.”
Rise Women’s Legal Centre is an experiential learning program at the Allard School of Law that exists thanks to the generous support of its many donors and community supporters. Learn more about how you can support Rise.
