Metro joins forces with thousands of Quebecers
to light up the lives of young patients and their families
MONTREAL, Nov. 24, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, along with partners Rythme FM and Metro grocery stores in Quebec, launched Sainte-Justine's seventh annual Christmas Tree Campaign earlier today. Rythme FM hosts Véronique Cloutier, Julie Bélanger, Mario Lirette, Josée Boudreault, Pierre Pagé, Sébastien Benoît and Mitsou Gélinas are inviting Quebecers to light up 75,000 beacons of hope on the giant evergreen standing proudly in front of the hospital.
Available now for $5 apiece at legrandsapin.org, these lights represent a source of joy and courage, as well as the promise of a healthier tomorrow for young patients and their families. From December 1 to 11, the majestic 50-foot tree will be illuminated every night, and become brighter and brighter as donations come in.
Metro, the main campaign partner for the first time this year, is asking customers to make a donation when checking out of any of the grocery chain's 207 stores across the province between December 1 and 11. "We are very proud to do our part for this heartfelt movement and get our entire network involved. We are committed to playing an active role in promoting children's health and well-being," said Marie-Claude Bacon, Metro's Senior Director, Corporate Affairs.
Rythme FM, the official broadcaster since 2008 and the driving force behind the Christmas Tree Campaign, will be appealing to their audience to make as many lights twinkle as possible. Le Véro show will cover the daily lighting-up ceremony at 4 p.m. "Every year, our staff – on-air and off – join with our listeners to brighten the season for families who have to spend this special time of the year in the hospital," said Johanne Cloutier, Programming Director and Assistant General Manager of Rythme FM 105.7.
A special gift from Garou
Coinciding with the release of his brand-new holiday album, Xmas Blues, Garou will donate $1 to the campaign for every album sold between now and December 11. "My daughter is the picture of health, and I'd like to give back and help parents who aren't as fortunate as I am," said the singer. "In turn, I challenge everyone in Quebec to do the same. Together, let's show our support for hundreds of families who will spend the holidays at Sainte-Justine."
The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation would like to extend its sincere thanks to its partners: Videotron, who will let customers donate to the campaign via illico (Channel 900), Québecor, MAtv and Place Ville Marie, in collaboration with its principal tenant, RBC. They are all playing a decisive role in the success of this campaign.
Make the holidays a little bit brighter for families with a sick child
Every year, a portion of the proceeds from this initiative is directed to Sainte-Justine's social services to assist hundreds of families of sick children who are struggling to make ends meet by lending them a helping hand with food, personal care, medication and transportation. These funds are also used to support priority initiatives at Sainte-Justine.
Since 2007, Quebecers have brightened up the holiday sky 307,000 times over through the Christmas Tree Campaign, which has translated into more than $2 million for the children of Sainte-Justine. Over $400,000 was raised in 2013 alone.
About the CHU Sainte‐Justine Foundation
The Foundation's mission is to engage the community and support CHU Sainte-Justine in its pursuit of excellence and its commitment to providing the children and mothers of today and tomorrow with one of the highest levels of healthcare in the world.
fondation-sainte-justine.org/en/
For more information on Sainte‐Justine's Christmas Tree Campaign, go to legrandsapin.org, follow us on Twitter (hashtag #legrandsapin), check out the Foundation's Facebook page or visit Rythme FM's website (rythmefm.com) or Facebook page.
SOURCE: Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation
Geneviève Lachance, CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, 514-345-4931 ext. 5522, [email protected]; Gaëlle Trébaol, CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, 514-345-4931 ext. 3433, [email protected]
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