MONTREAL, May 2, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Marc Bergevin, General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens, teams up with Share the Warmth to highlight the organization's 25th anniversary and their tremendous impact in improving people's lives. Going back to his roots in Point Saint-Charles where he grew up and now resides, Marc is committed to making sure that the youth of the Point can continue to make their dreams a reality, like he did.
"What moves me most about Share the Warmth's approach is their positive attitude towards the community, with its focus on hope. Everyone who walks through their doors is treated with the utmost respect, and a recognition that every person has the right to a better life," explains Marc Bergevin. "It's the same for the youth to whom the organisation provides specific skills and support so that each of them is able to reach their full potential."
Since 1989, Share the Warmth has been advancing a vision of a vibrant community in the Point and beyond in which every individual can achieve their potential. They promote the global development and education of children and youth, provide access to good food for all, as well as employment training. Programs like the El Sistema-inspired music program which introduces young people to orchestral music, allows them to develop their self-esteem through their passion for music.
Share the Warmth offers a food bank that allows 1,300 individuals, including 400 young people, to have access to food every month. They also distribute fresh meals to 21 schools in Montreal, which enables 2,500 school children to enjoy healthy meals so that they can focus on learning and not hunger.
"For more than 25 years, and owing to the immense contribution of our volunteers, like the 600 who put in 22,000 hours of work last year, the organization continues to have a major impact on the community. I am always amazed by the courage of the members of our community who, through their work with us, are able to transform their lives," shared Fiona Crossling, Executive Director of the organization.
There are so many young people who have succeeded in laying the groundwork for a better life, thanks to the support and guidance of Share the Warmth:
"I had dropped out of high school and had lost all motivation. When I joined Share the Warmth's music program, I finally discovered my true passion...," explains Ben Melgar-Segal, an ex-student of Share the Warmth's Music Program. With the help of his guitar teacher, he went back to school and graduated. He is currently studying music at CEGEP and is one semester shy of graduating. In his desire to give back, he is now a part-time music teacher at Share the Warmth.
Thanks to Share the Warmth's mentoring and tutoring programs, Fleurlie Merveille, a bursary recipient of the Tutoring and Bursaries Program overcame the difficulties she was experiencing in mathematics. "What Share the Warmth gave me, I want to give back to others who are experiencing similar difficulties." With strong determination, she is now pursuing her university studies and has become head tutor for Share the Warmth.
91% of the young people who are awarded bursaries through Share the Warmth graduate from high school. That's twice the neighbourhood average.
Marc Bergevin is participating in the Table of Hope event, taking place at Montreal's Windsor Ballrooms. Moneys raised from this renowned gastronomic event will support Share the Warmth's many programs, and in particular, its school food program.
For more information regarding Share the Warmth, and to view Marc Bergevin's video, visit: http://sharethewarmth.ca/
About Share the Warmth
Since its founding in 1989, Share the Warmth has been awakening hopes and dreams through excellence in programming aimed at the overall development and success of youth, access to healthy food, and work training.
SOURCE Share the Warmth
Video with caption: "Video: Marc Bergevin supports #SharetheWarmth programs in the Point St. Charles community. Join him and give at http://sharethewarmth.ca/". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAfxlsGpvNQ
For Share the Warmth: Sylvie Piché514-868-2009 ext [email protected]
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