Concordia’s 50th Centraide campaign is here

2024 marks Concordia’s 50th anniversary — and this year also welcomes the university’s 50th Concordia Centraide Campaign. The 2024 campaign runs from October 16 to November 19 with a goal of $200,000.

As always, funds raised support Centraide of Greater Montreal, whose mission is to fight poverty and social exclusion. That’s an increasing necessity during these days of high inflation, growing food insecurity and the rise in mental health issues, among many other community challenges.

Each year, Centraide’s services help some 800,000 Montrealers — about one in five people living in Montreal, Laval, or on the South Shore — through 375 agencies and projects.

“Concordians should be proud of our longstanding and significant contribution to Centraide, one of the city’s most important institutions,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “As the university celebrates 50 years, it’s appropriate that we also celebrate and show our support to our 50th edition of the Concordia Centraide Campaign.”

Last year, thanks to the commitment and creativity of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the Concordia campaign surpassed its goal of $200,000. Centraide of Greater Montreal’s 2023 campaign raised a record $68.2 million.

“We share a birth year with Centraide — 1974 — so our relationship is symbiotic,” Carr notes.

“Through volunteering, organizing fun events and, of course, dipping into their pocketbooks, our community’s contribution to Centraide indicates how strongly we relate to the organization’s mission.”

Returning this year as campaign co-chairs are Annie Gérin, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, and Philippe Beauregard, chief communications officer. Denis Cossette, chief financial officer, is back as the Leaders campaign chair.

“I thank Annie, Philippe and Denis for their ongoing commitment to the cause,” Carr adds. “And a special thank-you to the many dedicated campaign committee members, Leaders co-chairs and other volunteers.”

“While it’s unfortunate that Centraide is needed as much or more than ever, it’s encouraging to see how our community members have lent their support through 49 — and soon 50 —campaigns,” Gérin says.

“Concordians never fail to show how their hearts and wallets are in the right place by being there for their fellow Montrealers, and I have no doubt we’ll show that this year, too,” adds Beauregard.

Once again, Concordians will have a chance to contribute to the Leaders campaign by making contributions starting at $1,248, or $48 per pay — after tax, that’s equal to $26.06 per pay or $1.86 per day.

“First-time Leaders’ gifts will be matched by Défi Centraide,” Cossette reports. “Furthermore, gifts by current Leaders who up their donations by 10 per cent or more will also be matched by Défi Centraide.”

See the impact of giving through payroll deduction. 

Don’t miss the $17 pasta lunches:

• October 30: Loyola Campus
  Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre (RF), 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• November 13: Sir George Williams Campus
  J.W. McConnell Building (LB) Atrium, 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. 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 16.