Centraide Cup raises $390,000 to support vulnerable children and families in Greater Montreal

This benefit soccer tournament is being held on September 7 and 8 at Stade Saputo

MONTREAL, Sept. 7, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Some thirty generous companies contributed a total of $390,000 so their employees could participate in a sporting event in aid of disadvantaged children and families. This was announced this morning during the first day of the Centraide Cup, a benefit soccer tournament that will take place throughout the weekend at Stade Saputo. The general public is invited to attend.

About 400 amateur soccer players will have the unique experience of playing their sport on the home field of the Montreal Impact team, while promoting the well-being of the community. All proceeds from this event will go to Centraide Campaign 2013 and the Montreal Impact Foundation.

This second annual Centraide Cup raised $140,000 more than last year. "It's truly rewarding to see the great generosity of these companies, and of all these employees who are donating their time and energy to Centraide and its fabulous network of agencies" said Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal. "I would like to thank all the companies who made this second Centraide Cup such a great success, as well as the Montreal Impact for its support."

The Centraide Cup is the first benefit event leading up to Centraide Campaign 2013, which kicks off officially on October 1 with the 22nd March of 1,000 Umbrellas through downtown Montreal under the theme "Giving Brightens Lives."

This soccer tournament is also the very first fundraising activity of the Montreal Impact Foundation, which was launched on August 26.

The companies competing for the Centraide Cup this weekend are: Aéroports de Montréal, Aon Hewitt, Laurentian Bank, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG), BMO Financial Group, Bombardier, CAE, CIBC, Medavie Blue Cross, CGI, SNC-Lavalin Group, Hydro-Québec, Industrial Alliance, Intact Insurance, Jean Coutu Group (PJC), Mouvement Desjardins, Pharmascience, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Rolls-Royce Canada, Saputo, Sobeys, Standard Life, Suncor Energy and Xerox Canada.

About the Montreal Impact Foundation
The mission of the Montreal Impact Foundation is to organize and support activities for the advancement, education and improved quality of life for impoverished child.ren and their families. The Foundation's logo was created with its mission in mind: the child-like writing represents the reason for its existence, the children, while the heart symbolizes the energy and love needed to give them hope. Dino Madonis serves as the Foundation's president, while Joey Saputo is the honorary patron.

About Centraide
Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent organization managed by a board of directors that is representative of the community. It serves the Island of Montreal, Laval and communities on the South Shore, supporting 369 community agencies and projects that help half a million vulnerable people. Centraide relies on a network of some 57,000 volunteers, 23,000 of whom work on its annual campaign. It is supported by some 1,800 private and public sector companies and organizations as well as by large trade unions. To learn more: www.centraide-mtl.org

SOURCE: CENTRAIDE OF GREATER MONTREAL

Annick Gagnon
Centraide of Greater Montreal
Tel.: [phone], ext. 242
Cell phone: [phone]
[email protected]   
 
Patrick Vallée
Montreal Impact
Tel.: [phone], ext. 227
Cell phone: [phone]
[email protected]