Success of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013 - "The volunteers made all the difference." Monique F. Leroux

SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 17, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - As the closing ceremony for the 2013 Canada Summer Games nears, Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of Desjardins Group and President of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013 took a moment to thank the event's volunteers: "Though the success of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013 lies in the breathtaking performances of the 3,400 athletes who participated, the remarkable work of the 6,329 volunteers cannot go unmentioned. These generous people gave their time and expertise to support our young athletes in their path toward excellence. They really made all the difference, and they deserve our praise. I'd like to say thank you for a job well done!"

Ms. Leroux added, "We had big plans, and we worked together to make them happen. And now we can leave a lasting legacy of memories, accomplishments, friendships, sports facilities and innovations. I believe that everyone can claim a small piece of the amazing Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013."

Desjardins donates to the Canada Games 2013 Fund

As part of its sponsorship and as Grand Partner of the Canada Summer Games, Desjardins Group not only supported the volunteer program but also made a donation to the Canada Games 2013 Fund. "Solidarity and community involvement are very important values to us. That's why it seemed totally natural, in this context, for us to support the volunteer program. In addition, we are proud to use this donation to contribute to the development of athletic excellence in the region," said Ms. Leroux.

The Games would not have been such a success without the help of many individuals. Ms. Leroux said, "A very special thanks goes to Tom Allen, Chair of the Board and Executive Committee of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013, as well as to the members of the Board of Directors, the Governors Council and to Luc Fournier, CEO of the Games, and his team. Thanks to them, Québec's first time hosting the Canada Summer Games was a great collective success. Hats off for their tireless commitment before and during the Games!"

"I'd also like to thank the people of the Eastern Townships, especially the citizens of Sherbrooke, Magog and Coaticook. Their warm welcome helped make these Games ever more memorable for the thousands of athletes from across the country," she added.

Ms. Leroux also praised the active participation of Desjardins caisses in the region as well as hundreds of Desjardins officers, current and retired employees and their families.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada with assets over $200 billion. Drawing on the strength of its caisse network in Québec and Ontario and its subsidiaries across Canada, it offers a full range of financial products and services to its members and clients. Desjardins specializes in Wealth Management and Life and Health Insurance, in Property and Casualty Insurance, in Personal Services, in Business and Institutional Services. Best Corporate Citizen in Canada for 2012 and among Canada's Top 100 Employers, Desjardins is supported by the skills of its 44,942 employees and the commitment of 5,268 elected officers. Desjardins members and the general public are invited to visit Desjardins Group's education and cooperation program website at www.desjardins.com/co-opme.

SOURCE: Desjardins Group

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