Montreal‘s Centraide Sets Record with $71.3 Million Fundraising Campaign
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MONTREAL, Feb. 20, 2025 (PRNewswire) — Centraide of Greater Montreal announced a groundbreaking achievement, raising a record-breaking $71.3 million in it’s 2024 campaign. This surpasses all previous fundraising totals and considerably bolsters the fight against poverty and promotes inclusivity across Greater montreal.
The significant funds will support nearly 375 agencies assisting over 800,000 individuals annually in Laval, Montreal, and the South Shore—a region encompassing over half of Quebec’s impoverished population. This year’s campaign is particularly crucial, given the rising costs of essential goods like housing and food, which exacerbate existing social challenges.
centraide is the collective tool we have created to support our community,said Claude Pinard, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal.This annual campaign has come at a crucial time for our society, when the geography of poverty is changing. Costs for basic needs like housing and food are increasing and creating greater vulnerability along with a plethora of othre social challenges. The results of this campaign shows how much we can accomplish when we tap into our collective desire to do more and tackle these challenges together.
Campaign co-chairs Nadine Renaud-Tinker and Mirko Bibic expressed immense satisfaction. Renaud-Tinker, Executive Vice President and National Head, Career Sales Force, RBC Royal Bank, emphasized the unwavering community solidarity:
As needs continue to grow and Centraide’s support is more crucial than ever, this campaign has demonstrated the unwavering solidarity of Greater Montreal,said Renaud-Tinker.I’m extremely proud to have joined forces with Mirko to achieve this remarkable result, raising a record amount for the region. This sum will significantly strengthen the social safety net, benefiting everyone in our local communities.
Mirko Bibic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, shared similar sentiments:
I am truly pleased with what we’ve accomplished and for the chance to work alongside Nadine as campaign co-chair for Centraide,said Bibic.We had the privilege of getting to know some exceptionally dedicated volunteers and businesses and had an up-close view of the remarkable work done by the community agencies supported by Centraide. Our goal was to break a record in helping those in need, and we achieved it together.
Solidaires Awards Recognize Community Champions
Centraide also presented its annual Solidaires Awards, recognizing 22 remarkable volunteers, companies, organizations, unions, and community agencies for their social commitment. The awards spanned 11 categories. Winners included:
- Social Relevance: Ricochet (Hébergement/Homes); L’Envol Programme d’aide aux jeunes mères
- Social Conversion: Côte-des-Neiges black Community Association (CDNBCA)
- Evaluation: Resto Plateau
- Collaboration: le Chic Resto Pop
- Management and Governance: Center SCAMA
- Citizen Engagement: Denise Major, Maison d’Entraide St-Paul et Émard
- Corporate Commitment (1000+ employees): AtkinsRéalis; Énergir; METRO
- Corporate Commitment (999 employees or less): Lavery; PCL Construction; PMML – Leader in Commercial Real Estate
- Mobilization (1000+ employees): CAE; Ville de Laval; Ville de Montréal
- Mobilization (999 employees or less): CAA-Québec; Joddes
- Innovation: Carbonleo; Gameloft; L’Oréal canada; Pineapple Project
The Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire Award, recognizing outstanding volunteer commitment, was presented to Nathalie Bernier for her extensive contributions as 2008, including her tenure as Chair of Centraide’s Board of Directors from 2016 to 2019.
About Centraide of Greater Montreal
Centraide of Greater Montreal is a public foundation dedicated to building an inclusive and poverty-free Greater Montreal. It supports a network of 375 community agencies and projects, working collaboratively with the community, businesses, institutions, and philanthropic organizations.
Headline: “A Groundbreaking Victory for Community Solidarity: The Story Behind Montreal’s Record-Breaking $71.3 Million Fundraising Campaign”
A Surprising Triumph in community Fundraising
In a world where headlines are frequently enough dominated by bleak numbers and doomsday scenarios, Montreal has achieved a beacon of hope for communities everywhere.Centraide of Greater Montreal recently set a remarkable record by surging past all previous fundraising totals,reaching an unprecedented $71.3 million. This unprecedented achievement not only elevates the region’s philanthropic efforts but also amplifies the fight against poverty and fosters an surroundings of inclusivity. But how did this success come to be, and what does it mean for the future?
Senior Editor of World Today News (WTN): Claude, let’s dive into this monumental achievement. What factors do you consider most pivotal in surpassing past fundraising records this year?
claude Pinard,President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal:
To begin with,the success of Centraide’s campaign is a testament to the power of collective desire and community alignment. key factors include the heightened synergy among our volunteers, corporate partners, and community agencies. Given the escalating costs of essential goods like housing and food, there’s a palpable urgency in our society. This year, we tapped into that urgency, encouraging people to support the cause on a scale never before seen.
It’s noteworthy that the shifting geography of poverty called for a renewed strategy. By prioritizing areas like Laval, montreal, and the South Shore—regions cradling half of Quebec’s impoverished population—we tailored our efforts to maximize impact.
Furthermore, strategic leadership played a crucial role.Campaign co-chairs Nadine Renaud-Tinker and Mirko Bibic successfully galvanized the community and businesses, embedding a spirit of unwavering solidarity and commitment toward tackling social challenges together.
WTN: Nadine, as a campaign co-chair, you’ve been vocal about the solidarity observed throughout Greater Montreal.How do you view this campaign’s results in the context of community engagement and societal change?
Nadine Renaud-Tinker,Campaign Co-Chair and Executive Vice president,RBC Royal Bank:
The results are a powerful reflection of our region’s intrinsic spirit of togetherness and resolve. This campaign transcends a simple fundraising initiative; it’s a call to action against the rising tide of social challenges. The increased donations are tangible proof that community engagement is more robust than ever.
For many, this campaign represents an prospect to step beyond individual contribution and become part of a larger, transformative movement. When we facilitate avenues for people to engage—whether thru meaningful corporate partnerships or grassroots volunteer movements—we see a ripple effect.these efforts not only inflame the desire to help but fundamentally reshape societal dynamics towards more equitable outcomes.
WTN: Mirko, you and Nadine worked closely throughout this campaign. Could you highlight any standout moments or strategies that left an indelible mark on your journey as co-chairs?
Mirko Bibic, Campaign Co-Chair and CEO, BCE Inc. and Bell Canada:
Working alongside Nadine was both an honour and a profound learning experience. One standout moment was when we engaged local businesses and volunteers, bringing them closer to the community agencies they’d support. Experiencing the dedicated work firsthand was instrumental in breaking a record.
Another key strategy was focusing on storytelling. by illuminating the lives and successes of individuals and agencies transformed through Centraide’s support, we could invoke empathy and spur action. This personal connection drove home the cause’s urgency and relevance.
Recognizing the Unsung Heroes: The 2024 Solidaires Awards
WTN: Claude, the Solidaires Awards have become a highlight in recognizing the tireless efforts of community champions. How do these awards contribute to the overall mission of Centraide of Greater Montreal?
Claude Pinard:
The Solidaires Awards serve not only to honor these remarkable champions but also to inspire continued involvement and advocacy. Award recipients—ranging from social converts like Côte-des-Neiges black community Association to corporate giants like Atkins Réalis—demonstrate the diversity and scale of commitment within Greater Montreal.
Through these awards, we showcase the transformative impacts of collaborative endeavors and encourage others to follow suit. They highlight innovative approaches in tackling poverty, such as the Pineapple Project’s creativity, or the social relevance of initiatives like the Ricochet Welcoming Centre. These stories of determination resonate widely,reminding us that everyone plays a part in fostering a socially inclusive community.
Final thoughts and Engagements
This recent campaign is not just a milestone for Centraide of Greater Montreal but a blueprint for communities worldwide. By fostering inclusivity and a robust social safety net, this initiative sets a precedent for what can be achieved when communities unite with a shared purpose.
We invite you to reflect on these insights and share your thoughts.How does your community engage in fighting poverty? What lessons can we glean from Montreal’s experience to bolster efforts in your locality? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on our social media platforms.
In the spirit of shared progress, let’s continue supporting those in need, one community at a time.