It’s your turn to brighten a life
Senior administrators and the men’s hockey team on October 1, the day of the March of 1,000 Umbrellas. Concordia’s Centraide campaign kicks off October 14. All photos by Concordia University
Centraide, known as the United Way outside of Quebec, is a nationwide charity that redistributes raised funds to agencies that provide support directly to those who need it.
The Concordia community has long supported Centraide of Greater Montreal because of the many shared goals, which include academic success, cultural diversity and community-building.
In the Greater Montreal area (which includes the island of Montreal, Laval and the South Shore), Centraide redistributes funds to 369 agencies that provide direct support to more than 500,000 people. For every dollar raised, 86 cents go directly to the agencies. (CharityWatch says highly efficient charities should be spending 75 per cent or more on programs.) This year’s goal is $58.5 million.
The campaign by Centraide of Greater Montreal began October 1. The campaign kicked off with the annual March of 1,000 Umbrellas, in which the Concordia Stingers men’s hockey team participated. Concordia’s campaign begins October 14, when Centraide Campaign Chair Bram Freedman, who is Concordia’s vice-president of Development and External Relations, and Secretary-General, will send out an email appeal to the university’s inboxes. Those without email can expect a paper copy by mail.
Payroll contributions are the easiest way to give: your chosen amount is deducted from your paycheque before you even notice it’s gone. A contribution of a mere $8 per biweekly pay actually costs you only $5.35 and generates an annual donation of $208.
Donations can be made online, using the secure, personalized link contained in the email from Freedman, or a paper pledge form can be submitted to Payroll at S-FB-1130. Forms can be downloaded or picked up in person at the Human Resources Department (Room FB-1130, Faubourg Tower, 1250 Guy St.).
Still not convinced? Why not support the campaign by attending one of the annual pasta luncheons. Patrons can get a square meal for a small price while still supporting the campaign. It’s a win-win situation! Save the dates:
What: Centraide pasta luncheon
When: October 31, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m.
Where: Lower atrium of the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex (SP Building), 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Loyola Campus
What: Centraide pasta luncheon
When: November 7, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. 2 p.m.
Where: Abe and Harriet Gold Atrium of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Building), 1515 Ste. Catherine St. W., Sir George Williams Campus
What: Closing Centraide pasta luncheon with prize draws
When: November 29, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Atrium of the J.W. McConnell (LB) Building, 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Sir George Williams Campus
Concordia’s goal is to raise $190,000 for the local charity that helps so many of our neighbours in so many ways. Please be generous. Giving brightens lives.
Watch one of Centraide’s videos: