The Concordia Centraide Campaign kicks off in support of vulnerable Montrealers

People already experiencing poverty and social exclusion in the Montreal region have been further devastated by the slumping economy and soaring prices, resulting in a rise in homelessness, food insecurity and other hardships. That reality has underscored the urgency of the services provided by Centraide of Greater Montreal.

Funds raised by Centraide benefit some 800,000 individuals — about one in five in Greater Montreal — through 375 agencies and projects.

For 50 years, Montrealers have answered Centraide’s call — last year they reached deeper than ever into their pockets for the charitable organization. Centraide’s 2022 campaign raised a record $65,307,116 to support those in need in Montreal and Laval and on the South Shore.

University community members also proved their compassion through donations, volunteering and contributing in a number of other creative ways to Centraide. As a result, the university’s 2022 Centraide campaign surpassed its goal and raised more than $206,700.

The Concordia Centraide Campaign is back in 2023, its 49th year. It runs from October 12 to November 17 with a goal of $200,000.

“Centraide is an exceptional organization, and for nearly five decades Concordians have supported it in exceptional ways, and not just financially,” says Concordia President Graham Carr.

“Each year our community members give their time, effort and passion to Centraide, whose work is more vital than ever. I want to thank Manon Tremblay, our senior director of Indigenous Directions, for her service as a current member of the Centraide board, and salute Caroline Bougie, a BComm grad (1992), who is the Centraide’s board chair,” he adds.

“I also want to thank Philippe Beauregard and the new campaign co-chair, Annie Gérin, for their terrific commitment by heading the Concordia campaign, and Denis Cossette for his continuing work on the Leaders campaign. Thanks also to the many dedicated campaign committee members, Leaders co-chairs and other volunteers.”

2023 campaign

“Even though the worst days of COVID-19 are now behind us, the pandemic and other economic realities continue to take a toll — psychological as well as financial — on our most vulnerable populations,” says Beauregard, chief communications officer.

“Yet our communities — both at Concordia and in the city at large — have continually showed their true colours by reaching down deep and supporting their fellow Montrealers. I expect us to do the same this year.”

“I’m very proud to help this important community effort,” adds Gérin, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.

“Our loyal team of Concordia volunteers always helps make the campaign’s many moving parts come together. This year our many fundraising events and activities, such as our pasta lunches, raffles and more, will add up to make a difference in supporting Centraide’s essential work.”

Concordia will continue its Leader campaign. “Leaders are those whose contributions start at $1,248 or $48 per pay,” explains Denis Cossette, Concordia’s chief financial officer and Leader Committee co-chair. He points out that a leadership gift of $48 per pay equals $26.06 per pay after tax — or $1.86 per day after tax.

“This year, Défi Centraide will match first-time Leaders’ gifts,” Cossette adds. “As well, they will match the gifts of current Leaders who choose to increase their donations by 10 per cent as well or more.”

See the impact of giving through payroll deduction. 

Don’t miss the $17 pasta lunches:

• November 1: Sir George Williams Campus
  J.W. McConnell Building (LB) Atrium, 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• November 8: Loyola Campus
  Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre (RF), 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Visit the Concordia Centraide Campaign website for news of more fundraising events and activities.

For more information or to volunteer, contact centraide@concordia.ca.

Pledge your gift to Centraide today. Online giving is secure and easy. Look for a giving link in your email inbox from info@email.centraide-mtl.org starting October 12.