BMR LE GROUPE is helping deploy a reconstruction mission in Haiti with
Emergency Architects of Canada

BOUCHERVILLE, QC, Feb. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - If the people of Haiti are drawing strength from unity, for BMR, "the Group" shows strength in numbers. In this spirit, BMR LE GROUPE is proud to contribute to the Haiti reconstruction efforts by joining forces with the non-governmental organization, Emergency Architects of Canada . The President and CEO of BMR LE GROUPE, Yves Gagnon, along with Jean Falardeau , Vice President, Operations, last Friday signed a partnership agreement including a $20,000 contribution toward the first part of Emergency Architects of Canada's mission to rebuild Haiti .

Founded in 1967, BMR LE GROUPE is a collective of independent merchants who operate some 180 renovation centres in Quebec , Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island . With its network, BMR LE GROUPE, a natural partner for building professionals and builders, wishes to make a difference in Haiti and is proud to be counted among the companies that are helping Haiti's people in the important area of housing and buildings essential to providing health care and education, maintaining peace and security, and providing governance. For BMR LE GROUPE and Emergency Architects of Canada , the first stage will involve establishing solid foundations not only for this new alliance, but also for the healthy and sustainable reconstruction of those buildings that will become the new built heritage of current and future generations of Haitians.

The reconstruction mission in Haiti , which should last five to ten years, comes on the heels of an initial visit by Emergency Architects representatives, who surveyed the devastation and examined the condition of many buildings after January 12 . In concrete terms, BMR LE GROUPE's contribution will help fund the deployment of an intervention team of building professionals (engineers, architects, builders) who will, in the upcoming weeks, collaborate on-site with Haitian colleagues to start building. The team will also coordinate on the ground with other humanitarian organizations, such as CECI (Centre for International Studies and Cooperation), Oxfam-Québec, the Red Cross, Médecins du Monde and Doctors without Borders, Pharmacists without Borders and Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation to provide them with adequate and safe buildings. In addition to its contribution, BMR LE GROUPE will invite its merchants and suppliers to show solidarity and join in this initiative by supporting concerted efforts with Emergency Architects of Canada to raise funds for reconstruction in Haiti .

Building walls to rebuild lives is the rallying cry of this international organization. Founded in 2007, the Canadian chapter is counting on many partners and professionals (architects, engineers, builders, manufacturers, lawyers, technological and communications specialists, etc.) to intervene in the event of a disaster. Before the Haiti earthquake, the Canadian chapter's first mission began at home in 2008. The goal was to improve the living and housing conditions of men, women and children of the tiny First Nations community of Anicinape, who live in Kitcisakik, north of La Vérendrye wildlife preserve. The first two houses, renovated in collaboration with members of the community, were opened last fall. Substantial government assistance has been announced to continue the mission. The BMR Tremblay et Frères Ltd Renovation Centre in Val-d'Or, which contributed materials, has played and still plays a large part in this success story.

For further information: and photos (BMR): Jean Falardeau, Vice President, Operations, BMR LE GROUPE, [phone], extension 2299, [email protected], www.bmr-legroupe.ca; photos (AUC): Emergency Architects of Canada, (514) 868-1SOS (1767); Sylvie Champeau, public relations representative for Emergency Architects of Canada, [phone], [email protected], www.architectes-urgence.ca