Michael M. Fortier and Anne-Marie Hubert will co-chair Centraide of Greater Montreal's 2020 campaign

MONTREAL, June 4, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - In a time of many social and economic challenges, Centraide of Greater Montreal is already hard at work to prepare its upcoming annual fall fundraising campaign, which is crucial for community agencies that provide essential services to vulnerable populations.

For the campaign, Centraide will benefit from the volunteer commitment of two prominent business leaders, the Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Vice-Chairman of RBC Capital Markets, and Anne-Marie Hubert, EY Canada East Leader, who will head up a campaign cabinet of close to 30 business, union and institutional leaders. This dedicated team will appeal to the generosity of donors to continue to meet the many needs brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

"The role of the campaign cabinet is to encourage acts of solidarity, support and generosity for our community. Right now, we are reflecting with Centraide on the best way to engage donors. Over 80% of the donations collected by Centraide come from businesses, organizations, institutions, and their employees and retired staff. Some regular campaign activities will have to be adapted. However, using creativity to do things differently shows us how much donors truly want to help vulnerable people," said Michael M. Fortier.

"The Greater Montreal area has not only been heavily affected by this pandemic, but it is also home to half of Quebeckers living in poverty. Although the stay-at-home orders are being lifted, the next few months will continue to be intense for community agencies that are on the front lines responding to requests for help. Now more than ever, we must stand with everyone who supports vulnerable populations that have been severely affected by the current crisis," said Anne-Marie Hubert, who heads the Montreal office of the financial accounting advisory firm EY.

"We are extremely grateful for the commitment of these tremendous volunteers who, in these particularly difficult times, are showing their local love. It is also essential for workplaces to get involved so that we can help community agencies continue their efforts. The crisis is likely to leave significant impacts in its wake. Agencies will have to work to alleviate the impact of the quarantine and job losses and support the success of young people who have been out of school for months. Agencies may also have to cope with a potential second wave of infections with its own set of challenges," explained Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal.

More details about the official launch of Centraide of Greater Montreal's 2020 campaign will be announced at the end of the summer.

Centraide of Greater Montreal is active in the territories of Laval, Montreal and the South Shore. Before COVID-19, about 57,000 volunteers were involved with the 350 agencies that it supports. Since the start of the crisis, Centraide of Greater Montreal has helped 497 agencies meet urgent needs thanks to allocations of $8.3M so far through its COVID-19 Emergency Fund and the Youth Project. Centraide has a presence in 18 regions in Quebec and is supported by private, public and parapublic corporations and institutions as well as large trade unions. The money it raises is invested locally to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion. For more information: centraide-mtl.org.

SOURCE Centraide of Greater Montreal