Special fund set up to help rebuild the Lac-Mégantic business community

MONTREAL, July 15, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Chambre de commerce de la région de Mégantic, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and the Red Cross are appealing to the extended business community to help their counterparts affected by the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic.

The explosion and fire that devastated the town on Friday destroyed roughly 35 businesses and more than 95 businesses were affected. Many self-employed professionals have also lost everything.

"Business owners dedicate their whole lives to building their business. This special fund administered by the Red Cross will help cover expenses outside the scope of government assistance. There will also inevitably be needs that emerge in the coming months that nobody has considered yet. The fund will be there for that as well," said Isabelle Hallé, Executive Director of the Chambre de commerce de la région de Mégantic.

"It could take years for these businesses to get back on their feet. We are stepping up to the plate to help them in their time of need," stated Françoise Bertrand, Chief Executive Officer of the FCCQ. "Our network of chambers of commerce was built on the values of mutual aid and community spirit. That is why we are reaching out to our fellow business professionals and asking them to support our friends in Lac-Mégantic in order to rebuild the momentum required to restore their economic pride. We are also greatfull to the Québec government for the program put forward. "

"The entire province is coming together in a show of support for the people of Lac-Mégantic. The efforts of the Chambre de commerce de la région de Mégantic and the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec are key to the local business community. The Red Cross is proud to be a part of this wave of solidarity. We are very grateful to all of our generous donors," added Pascal Mathieu, Acting Director General of the Québec Division of the Canadian Red Cross.

The Chambre de commerce de la région de Mégantic and the FCCQ will assist the Red Cross in administering this program. The chambers of commerce are fortunate to be able to tap into the Red Cross's organizational and fundraising expertise. We also thank Écorce for developing the related promotional materials and Services d'édition Guy Connolly for their English translation services.

Donations made via the following link will be dedicated to the Lac-Mégantic business community rebuilding effort: www.redcross.ca/fondsfccq

SOURCE: Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

Bruno-Serge Boucher
Vice-President, Network Support and Training
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
514-717-4101
[email protected]

Isabelle Hallé
Executive Director
Chambre de commerce de la région de Mégantic
819-583-5392

Myrian Marotte
Communications
Canadian Red Cross, Québec Division
514-913-4478
[email protected]