CENTRAIDE WILL LAUNCH ITS CAMPAIGN ON SEPTEMBER 28

20,000 people are expected to turn out in downtown Montreal for
Centraide's March of 1,000 Umbrellas

MONTREAL, Sept. 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Centraide's colourful and unique March of 1,000 Umbrellas on September 28 will kick off the biggest annual fundraising campaign in Quebec to fight against poverty. Under the theme "Give us the power to help," Centraide will conduct this campaign on behalf of the 360 agencies in its network that are counting on the support of citizens and companies to help people in need.

Some 20,000 people are expected to take part in this great demonstration of caring, including volunteers, community workers and leaders of business, the public sector and the trade unions. Rain or shine, they will march side by side and open their umbrellas to show their support Centraide, an umbrella organization for hundreds of community agencies that help thousands of vulnerable people. The umbrella also symbolizes the protection offered to those in difficulty.

Participants will begin assembling at 11:30 a.m. on McGill College Avenue. The march will start at 12:00 noon and proceed east along St. Catherine Street to the SNC-Lavalin grounds (De Bleury Street, adjacent to the Gesù Theatre), where the goal of Campaign 2010 will be announced. This campaign is co-chaired by Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro, and Normand Hébert, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Park Avenue.

Centraide is one of the largest organizations in Quebec that harnesses both human and financial resources to fight poverty, social exclusion and inequality while working to prevent social problems. Last year, its campaign mobilized 23,000 volunteers and 2,100 companies to help families and youth in difficulty, seniors, newcomers and people with disabilities in Montreal, in Laval and on the South Shore.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can call 514 288-1261 or visit www.centraide-mtl.org. You can also watch videos about Centraide's work by going to www.youtube.com/CentraideMtl.

For further information:

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