Setting out to win the hearts of new donors: The DNA Committee - The future of the Fondation du CHUM

MONTREAL, Sept. 6, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Fondation du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) is pleased to announce the establishment of its "DNA Committee - the Future of la Fondation du CHUM." This committee was born of the Foundation's wish to create a strong sense of attachment to its cause among a new generation of donors and satisfy their desire to support this important hospital centre, one of North America's largest.

The mission of the committee members will be to organize fundraising activities to raise awareness and educate their peers in the vital role played by the CHUM, thus encouraging others to help in the goal of providing the best possible patient care, for the benefit of present and future generations.

"I am pleased to see that young people of Generation Y, of which our children are part, have made this decision to play an active role in fundraising for the Foundation," said Ékram Antoine Rabbat, President and CEO of the Fondation du CHUM. "The creation of this committee represents an important step, since it opens the doors of the world of philanthropy to the donors of the future. These young people want to contribute to the well-being of CHUM patients by taking concrete actions. That's something to celebrate."

Added Mélanie Joly, Associate Director at Cohn & Wolfe and a member of the Foundation's board: "I have been saying for a long time that my generation wants to become more socially engaged. Now here's the proof!"

A dozen young women and men from diverse cultural backgrounds and professions have answered the call to form this mosaic of committed people. "Whether disease affects us directly, or from afar, we are all aware of the importance of health in our lives.  When people are sick, it's essential that they get quality care," said the co-chairs of the DNA Committee, Georgia Antonopoulos and Benoit Lacoste Bienvenue. "So we chose to support the Fondation du CHUM by holding events that will appeal to our generation."

Yvon Deschamps, volunteer spokesperson for the Fondation du CHUM, has also expressed enthusiasm for the committee. "We're always hearing that today's young people don't like to give, and that they're princes and princesses with no philanthropic spirit.  Well, it seems we're wrong. As my wife Judi says, it warms the heart to see young people showing such a great example in supporting the Foundation. Maybe generosity is, after all, in the genes of every individual, as demonstrated by the members of this committee."

October 12: DNA Experience, the first Urban Ball of the DNA Committee

The newly formed DNA Committee is already preparing its first benefit evening, to be called DNA Experience. A cool and sophisticated urban ball, it will take place on Friday, October 12 at Espace Griffintown.

"For the occasion, the room will be completely transformed, and the guests will be immersed in a setting that perfectly reflects the style of the new CHUM and the visionary spirit of the committee," said Anne-Marie Côté, director of benefit activities for the Fondation du CHUM. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the evening will go toward our hospital centre."

For more information on DNA Experience, visit our website: http://fondationduchum.com/en/experienceadn

About the DNA Committee - the Future of la Fondation du CHUM

The DNA Committee - the Future of la Fondation du CHUM is made up of a mosaic of dynamic young professionals committed to making a real difference in the lives of CHUM patients, through activities organized annually by and for their peers. All funds collected at these events will contribute to the acquisition of technological equipment, to excellence in teaching and research, the promotion of better health and continuous improvement of the care provided to CHUM patients. The committee's objective is to raise awareness among their peers of the cause of the Foundation and satisfy their desire to contribute to the well-being of the hospital's patients. The DNA Committee firmly believes that generosity can indeed be found in the genes of every individual!

Visit our web site: fondationduchum.com/en/comiteadn or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE: Fondation du CHUM

Colin Danby 
Cohn & Wolfe 
514 845-7060 
[email protected]