Desjardins Group to Send $300,000 in Aid to Earthquake Victims in Haiti

LÉVIS, QC, Jan. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Group is joining the Canadian Red Cross to collect funds for victims of the earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 . With a strong presence in Haiti for over 15 years, particularly through its subsidiary Développement international Desjardins (DID), Desjardins will be sending $300,000 to provide immediate support to those in need as a result of this disaster.

The general public is invited to show their generosity by providing donations for Haiti earthquake victims via the network of Desjardins caisses.

Donations can be made at any Desjardins caisse. VISA Desjardins cardholders may also make donations using accumulated BONUSDOLLARS.

The Red Cross is also accepting donations online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by telephone at 1-800-418-1111 (toll-free), or in person at any Red Cross location.

"We share the pain of the Haitian community and offer all our support during this difficult period," stated Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group.

DID will provide increased support in Haiti in the coming months to help with long-term reconstruction efforts. This may take many forms, including providing assistance to members within the Le Levier Federation of credit unions, a partner of Desjardins in Haiti .

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest cooperative financial group in Canada , and the sixth largest in the world, with overall assets of $163 billion . Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario, as well as its subsidiaries, several of which are active throughout Canada , Desjardins offers a full range of financial products and services to its 5.8 million individual and business members and clients. Desjardins Group is also home to a wealth of expertise in property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, wealth management, services for businesses of all sizes, securities brokerage, venture capital, asset management and secure leading-edge virtual access methods, all part of an integrated offer that is the only one of its kind in Canada . One of the largest employers in the country, Desjardins is backed by the knowledge and skills of its 42,000 employees and the commitment of its 6,300 elected officers. To find out more, consult www.desjardins.com.

For further information: (for journalists only): Caroline Phémius, Advisor, Media Relations, [phone], 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7646, [email protected]