Umbrellas in support of the most vulnerable

The 22^nd March of 1,000 Umbrellas will mark the official launch of Centraide's great annual campaign on October 1

MONTREAL, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Some 20,000 people, holding up their umbrellas, will march through downtown Montreal on October 1, on the occasion of the 22^nd March of 1,000 Umbrellas, in order to kick off Centraide of Greater Montreal's annual fundraising campaign.

The marchers—who will include people from the business world, public sector, trade unions and community agencies, as well as volunteers—will assemble at 11:30 a.m. on McGill College Avenue to participate in Quebec's biggest rally to fight poverty and exclusion.

They will set off at 12:00 noon, marching east along St. Catherine Street towards their destination at the Parterre public square of the Quartier des spectacles, where the financial goal of Centraide of Greater Montreal's 2013 campaign will be announced.

Symbols of protection, the umbrellas carried by the marchers will illustrate Centraide's mission—which is to serve as an umbrella organization for raising donations in order to give 369 community agencies the means of improving the well-being of 500,000 vulnerable people in Greater Montreal.

Centraide's 2013 campaign will be co-chaired by Michael E. Roach, President and Chief Executive Officer of CGI, and Marc Parent, President and Chief Executive Officer of CAE.

Centraide is one of Quebec's largest assemblies of human and financial resources to fight poverty, break social exclusion, reduce inequalities and prevent social problems. Last year, its campaign mobilized 23,000 volunteers and 1,800 companies to help families and youth in difficulty, seniors, newcomers and people with disabilities in the Greater Montreal area.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can call 514 288-1261 or visit www.centraide-mtl.org. You can also watch videos about Centraide's work by going to www.youtube.com/CentraideMtl.

SOURCE: CENTRAIDE OF GREATER MONTREAL

Annick Gagnon, Public Relations Coordinator
Tel.: [phone], ext. 242, [email protected] 

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