What: Portuguese-Canadian Lawyers Association tribute to Orlando Da Silva
Where: Adega Restaurant, 33 Elm Street, Toronto
When: November 19, 2015
The Portuguese-Canadian Lawyers Association (PCLA) hosted a tribute to PCLA member, mental health champion and immediate past president of the Ontario Bar Association Orlando Da Silva last week at Adega Restaurant in Toronto.
PCLA members and supporters of the broader Luso-Canadian and legal communities gathered to toast Mr. Da Silva and hear from some of his biggest supporters.
Mr. Da Silva used the platform of his presidency to speak publicly about the stigma of depression and mental illness, as current PCLA president Miguel Mendes points out: “From candidly speaking out publicly about his own experiences with depression and attempted suicide to spearheading Opening Remarks — the OBA’s ground-breaking initiative to address mental health issues in the legal profession — Orlando has left a tremendous and lasting mark on our profession like few others.”
“In an industry that too often mistakes depression and mental illness for personal weakness, Orlando’s efforts have been particularly brave and, frankly, life-saving for so many of us. We, like countless legal professionals across the province, are not only proud of his trailblazing leadership, but owe him an immense debt of gratitude.”
A portion of the proceeds from the evening were donated to the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario.
The PCLA was founded in 2007 as a not-for-profit network of dynamic legal professionals committed to supporting, inspiring, and giving voice to Portuguese-Canadian lawyers, students, and the broader communities. The PCLA provides networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for its members, while actively promoting post-secondary education to Luso-Canadian youth through various Outreach initiatives and giving voice to the Luso-Canadian community on important issues. For more information, please visit the PCLA website.