MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Centraide of Greater Montreal is launching an appeal to generosity with the goal of raising $58.5 million by December 18 in order to give the 369 agencies in its network the means of providing essential support to some 500,000 vulnerable people in Laval, in Montreal and on the South Shore.
This was announced today at noon by Lili-Anna Pereša, the new President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal, to the some 20,000 participants in Centraide's March of 1,000 Umbrellas. This huge rally—the biggest in Quebec to fight poverty and exclusion—marks the official launch of Centraide's 2013 fundraising campaign.
"Over the years, this great march has become a powerful symbol of unity and of solidarity with the most vulnerable people in our community," stated Lili-Anna Pereša. "The generosity of thousands of donors, volunteers and representatives of the community sector gives renewed hope to hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens who want to improve their lives."
"I believe in Centraide because it manages our donations rigorously and invests strategically so as to maximize the impact of every dollar entrusted to it," said Michael E. Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer of CGI, who is co-chairing the 2013 Centraide campaign.
"By supporting Centraide, we are helping the less fortunate of our society find hope once again. Thanks to Centraide, many will receive the help they need in order to regain their autonomy," added Marc Parent, President and CEO of CAE, who is also co-chairing the campaign.
The main philanthropic organization in Quebec dedicated to fighting poverty, Centraide of Greater Montreal tailors its social investments to the needs of each neighbourhood with the aim of breaking the cycle of poverty. It focuses on children, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, academic perseverance, food security, access to suitable and affordable housing, mental health and newcomer welcome.
During its campaign, some 23,000 volunteers will solicit donations for Centraide in the workplace. As well, about 600 awareness activities and workplace presentations by community agency representatives will be organized. On the media front, a new advertising campaign developed by Publicis, under the theme "Giving brightens lives," will tell the story of three people who have regained control over their lives with the help of community agencies. Centraide will benefit from the support of the major radio, television and display advertising networks in conveying its messages.
People in the workplace are encouraged to give generously through payroll deduction. Anyone wishing to make a donation can also do so by visiting Centraide of Greater Montreal's website at www.centraide-mtl.org.
About Centraide
One person in six lives in poverty in Greater Montreal. An equal proportion of children grow up in a poor family. Because poverty reduces the chances of a brighter future, Centraide of Greater Montreal calls on the generosity and volunteer involvement of thousands of citizens to fund 369 agencies and projects that in turn help and support half a million vulnerable people in our community.
There are 18 autonomous Centraides in Quebec, each managed by an independent board of directors that is representative of the community it serves.
SOURCE: Centraide of Greater Montreal
Annick Gagnon, Public Relations Coordinator
514 288-1261, ext. 242
[email protected]
www.centraide-mtl.org
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