CENTRAIDE AIMS TO RAISE $55.3 MILLION, OR $1 MILLION MORE THAN LAST YEAR

MONTREAL, Sept. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Centraide has set the goal of its annual fund drive at $55.3 million, which is $1 million above the amount raised last year, in order to help the needy even more.

"It's a considerable challenge, but needs are equally considerable: school dropout, delinquency and suicide among youth, precarious circumstances for single-parent families, homelessness among young adults, the difficulties of integration faced by immigrants. We mustn't lose sight of the fact that the people experiencing these problems can overcome them with help," said Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro, who co-chairs Campaign 2010 with Norman Hébert, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Park Avenue. "To reach our goal, we will rely on the loyalty and generosity of our donors and of the volunteers who conduct workplace campaigns, as well as on the corporations, trade unions and organizations that are ready to respond to Centraide's appeal - all the while hoping the economy will improve," added Mr. Hébert.

The goal was announced at noon today at Centraide's March of 1,000 Umbrellas, which marked the launch of its 36^th annual campaign. Tens of thousands of marchers, including volunteers, community workers, people who are helped, and leaders of business, the public sector and the trade unions, held up their umbrellas to symbolize the help that Centraide and its network of 360 agencies provide to vulnerable people.

"The signs of poverty are not always apparent, and people in need often pass unnoticed," explained Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire, Centraide of Greater Montreal's President and Executive Director. "The community agencies in our network have the ability to reach people in difficulty and to help them overcome their problems. The fight against poverty requires constant support. The money we raise ensures this support is there, and enables us to do even more. That's why each donation is important and makes a real difference, both short and long term, in improving the welfare of our whole community."

In order to bring home the reality of poverty, which is often overlooked, Centraide will organize more than 500 awareness activities and presentations by community agency spokespersons for the employees of corporations and organizations that conduct a campaign. It will also screen, in their workplaces, video testimonials from community workers and the people they help. As well, a new public advertising campaign around the theme "Give us the power to help" has been developed gratis by Publicis. The messages highlight the know-how and knowledge of the agencies in Centraide's network regarding the various aspects of poverty, and the best ways of fighting against it effectively. Centraide will benefit from the support of the major radio, television and display advertising networks in conveying these messages.
Centraide Campaign 2010 will run until December 15. People in the workplace are encouraged to give generously through payroll deduction. Those wishing to make a donation can also call Centraide at 514 288-1261 or visit the "To make your donation" section of its website at www.centraide-mtl.org.

About Centraide

Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent organization managed by a board of directors which is representative of the community. It serves Laval, the Island of Montreal and communities on the South Shore. Centraide relies on a network of over 73,000 volunteers, 23,000 of whom work on its annual campaign. More than 160,000 people contribute financially to Centraide's campaign, which is supported by some 2,100 businesses and corporations, institutions, and public and parapublic organizations as well as large trade unions. Centraide funds community agencies and projects that help over half a million people. There are 18 autonomous Centraides in Quebec, each managed by an independent board of directors which is representative of the community it serves.

For further information:

Annick Gagnon, Public Relations Coordinator
514 288-1261, ext. 242
[email protected]
www.centraide-mtl.org