$52.5 M to fight poverty throughout the year

Centraide's fundraising campaign passed the symbolic $50 M thanks to the support of donors and volunteers from all walks of life, organizations, private and public, and unions. For the first time in its history, Centraide collected $51,501,472 M for those less fortunate, which translates to $2.1 M more than was raised in 2005.

Co-presidents of the 2006 Centraide Campaign, Transcontinental executive council president, Rémi Marcoux, and Bell Canada CEO, Michael Sabia, proceeded with the unveiling of the final results, during an event that took place at Redpath Hall at McGill University. "Raising $50.5 M is extremely impressive and we owe it all to the support of 175,000 donors and 22,000 volunteers who reached out to those less fortunate," stated Mr. Marcoux.

The money that Centraide raises allows them to support 350 organizations, which improve the quality of life for families in need, teenagers in trouble, help immigrants integrate smoothly in Quebec, helps people with handicaps and mental health issues.

Centraide is an independent organization, managed by an administration board and run by 75,000 volunteers. Centraide receives help from some 2,000 businesses and private and public companies. In Quebec, there are 18 branches of Centraide.