Winner of Become A Montrealer contest revealed! French blogger Ben Mahi chosen from over 100 candidates worldwide

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 7, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary and Montréal International today announced the winner of the Become A Montrealer contest.  Ben Mahi, an international blogger from France will represent Montréal and its 375th celebrations on social networks. You can get to know him by watching the video Unveiling of BAM winner.

A French citizen of Algerian origin, Ben has been dreaming of coming to Montréal ever since he was a child. He has over 80,000 followers on his Instagram account. "I am so excited to make my dream come true. I can't wait to live in this city, show the world what an incredibly warm city Montréal is and above all, share this amazing adventure with all of my followers and everyone who wants to get to know me. The expression Good things come to those who wait is very much a part of my story. I am proud to represent the city of my dreams during its 375th anniversary. Montréal, I love you!"

"Ben has an impressive following on social media," said Alain Gignac, General Manager of the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary. "But it's really his charming personality, his enthusiasm and his love for Montréal that won us over. We can't wait to meet him, and we are very proud to have him as our new ambassador."

"The festivities going on during Montréal's 375th anniversary allow us to highlight the city's dynamism and creativity shine on the international stage. We have teamed up and rallied Montrealers together around this ambitious project," said Mr. Hubert Bolduc, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montréal International. "This passion and enthusiasm will allow our city to shine internationally, a key factor in its ability to attract foreign investors, international organizations, strategic talents, students and international meetings," he added.

The Become A Montrealer contest

Launched in November 2015 by Montréal International and Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, the competition included several different rounds. The five finalists who were chosen by a joint jury were first required to produce a video before advancing to an interview and eventually being voted on by the public. Click here to see the rounds and rules.

The winner will join Montréal's 375th anniversary team and create different types of content for social media. He will also act as an ambassador among bloggers, Instagram influencers and foreign media. He will attend and provide coverage of the some 175 events being held throughout 2017. His salary will be paid by the Society, and he will be able to stay in a luxury apartment provided by Prevel.

About the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the celebrations and socioeconomic contributions that will highlight Montréal's 375th anniversary in 2017.  With a focus on promoting Montréal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for local forces to carry out its mandate: mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, rigorously manage funding, develop quality programming and ensure the visibility of the celebrations.

The Society benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal, the Gouvernement du Québec and private funding from 11 Great Montrealers. For more information: 375mtl.com

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SOURCE Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal

Isabelle Pelletier, 514-238-4178