One thing that never changes over the years is generosity
MONTREAL, Dec. 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Donating is uplifting, and hundreds of thousands of people gave this year so that hundreds of thousands of others will never lose hope. Centraide of Greater Montreal raised over $58 million during its 2012 campaign. These funds will be used to support some 370 agencies that help people in need to be all that they can be. The campaign result was announced this morning at UQAM's Cœur des sciences in the presence of many donors, volunteers and representatives of Centraide-supported agencies.
"Our invaluable donors and volunteers took part in this vast movement of caring and solidarity all year long. I want to thank them for the spirit, passion and energy they brought to the campaign," said Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank and Co-Chair of Centraide's 2012 campaign.
"This campaign was intense up to the very last minute. But thanks to the determination and generosity of our donors, Centraide will be able to transform the daily lives of disadvantaged people in neighbourhoods hard hit by poverty," added Lino A. Saputo, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Saputo and Co-Chair of Centraide's 2012 campaign.
The funds raised will help the agencies to meet the most pressing needs, while promoting community development and individual empowerment. They will be invested in innovative projects to fight poverty and exclusion, according to the needs of the neighbourhoods. Thanks to this money, the agencies in Centraide's network will offer services to improve living conditions for families, encourage young dropouts to return to school, ensure the development of young children, prevent delinquency among youth, facilitate the welcoming of newcomers and break the isolation of seniors.
"I'm so pleased for us all when I hear that Centraide is a bringer of hope and good news," concluded Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Centraide of Greater Montreal, James C. Cherry, took the occasion to express his gratitude to Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire, who will be retiring on December 31, 2012 after 21 years at the helm of the organization. Mrs. Thibodeau-DeGuire will be replaced by Lili-Anna Pereša, who will assume the position of President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal in January 2013.
About Centraide
Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent organization managed by a board of directors that is representative of the community. It serves Laval, the Island of Montreal and communities on the South Shore. More than 160,000 people contribute financially to the campaign, which is supported by some 2,000 companies, institutions, and public and parapublic organizations as well as by large trade unions. Centraide of Greater Montreal supports community agencies and projects that help half a million people. 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
Tel.: 514 288-1261, Ext. 242
[email protected], www.centraide-mtl.org
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