Fondation Desjardins Launches Call for Candidates for the 35th Desjardins
Annual Prizes

MONTREAL, April 12 /CNW Telbec/ - Fondation Desjardins invites organizations involved in social, economic and community development to send in their applications for the 35th edition of the Desjardins Annual Prizes.

Six prizes of $5,000 each will be awarded to social and community organizations, members of Desjardins caisses in Québec, caisses/branches in Ontario or caisses populaires in New Brunswick and Manitoba. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: assistance to senior citizen and youth, community and cultural development, community economic and sustainable development. Applications must be sent to Fondation Desjardins by June 10th.

Over the past few years, in recognition of the values of mutual assistance and solidarity, Fondation Desjardins has awarded $915,000 to more than 160 organizations involved in their community.

Prize for young officers at Desjardins

With the fourth edition of the Prix Reconnaissance Jeunes dirigeants Desjardins, Fondation Desjardins once again highlights the indisputable contribution made to Desjardins Group by young elected officers and intern officers aged 18 to 35. Candidates have until June 15, 2010 to submit their application for this prize.

Further information and application forms are available on the Fondation Desjardins site at the following address: www.desjardins.com/en/fondation.

About Fondation Desjardins

As a component of Desjardins Group, the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, Fondation Desjardins fulfils its mission to provide educational support by distributing university scholarships and bursaries throughout Québec and Ontario for training, skills development and cooperative spirit. The foundation also hands out awards in recognition of volunteer activities and to support entrepreneurship and employment. In 2010, Fondation Desjardins will distribute nearly $750,000. In Québec, it is well known for distributing more university scholarships than any other private foundation. Since its inception 40 years ago, the foundation has given away over $11 million dollars to more than 9,000 young people to support education. To find out more, consult www.desjardins.com/en/fondation.

For further information: (for journalists only): Francine Blackburn, Advisor, Media Relations, Desjardins Group, [phone], 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7275, [email protected]; Éliane Didier, Coordinator, Fondation Desjardins, [phone], 1-800-443-8611