The Luc Maurice Foundation will distribute $10 million over the next five years to foster the well-being and happiness of the elderly

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Luc Maurice, President and Founder of Le Groupe Maurice, announced today the creation of a foundation that is committed to distributing a minimum of $10 million over the next five years. These funds will support organizations, individuals and causes that contribute to the well-being and foster the growth of Québec's elderly so they can continue to pursue their aspirations in happiness.

From left to right: Groupe Maurice’s Rita Kataroyan, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Isabelle Nantais, Vice President, Legal Affairs, Luc Maurice, Founder and President, Marie-Michèle Del Balso, Senior Vice President, Jacques Pearson, Vice President, Finances, proud to present a 10 million dollars check, representing the Fondation Luc Maurice’s contribution for the first five years. (CNW Group/Le Groupe Maurice)

The Luc Maurice Foundation officially launched its activities at the 2017 Sommet sur la culture philanthropique (summit on philanthropic culture), an initiative of the Institut Mallet running until tomorrow at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

"A report produced by the Institut Mallet and presented at the 2017 summit on philanthropic culture shows that the number of private foundations in Québec has seen substantial growth of 57% between 2005 and 2015," noted Jean M. Gagné, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institut Mallet. "The creation of the Luc Maurice Foundation is a fine illustration of this trend and of the desire of individuals to make a real difference in their community. This type of initiative is to be applauded."

For his part, Luc Maurice stated: "Beyond meeting basic needs, we should all be able to live according to our most deeply held beliefs, and above all, to age as happily as can be until the end of our lives." In his view, society's success cannot be measured solely in terms of economic development, but also in terms of our communities' ability to make people happy.

"In 2017 alone, we have distributed more than $1 million to organizations working for the well-being of the elderly, and we shall continue to support these partners actively through the new foundation," Mr. Maurice said. "The foundation is establishing a more official form of governance that will enable us to expand our pool of donors to further help the organizations and individuals that work toward the well-being of seniors in Québec. This also gives us an even stronger voice in promoting the importance of this cause."

Health, socialization and recognition of the elderly

The Fondation Luc Maurice is truly unique in nature. In particular, it will support organizations that endeavour to improve the health of our seniors and those who provide them with opportunities to socialize and to be recognized, a first in Québec. "These are three factors that contribute significantly to the happiness of older people," Mr. Maurice added. "A recent Léger survey has confirmed what we have observed over the last 20 years among our residents. This is why the foundation will prioritize organizations that show a humane approach, that seek constantly to innovate and that work to establish a true partnership with the elderly to meet their needs."

About the Fondation Luc Maurice

The Fondation Luc Maurice was created to extend the community outreach program of Le Groupe Maurice, which has been steadily growing and becoming more sophisticated since the company's founding in 1998. Its donations and sponsorships policy aims to provide for planned, consistent and equitable management of its budget, with funds from Le Groupe Maurice, from Luc Maurice personally and from other donors for the benefit of the well-being and fulfilment of the elderly.

SOURCE Le Groupe Maurice

Julie Crevier, Manager - Communications, T [phone] ext. 20238, C [phone], [email protected]; Alex-Sandra Thibault, Manager - Communications, T [phone], C [phone], [email protected]