Centraide Outaouais launches its 80th fundraising campaign

800 km by bike for the 80th anniversary!

Centraide Outaouais launched its 80th annual campaign today at the Canadian Museum of History, highlighting that in the Outaouais, 1 in 5 people receives support from the organization.

The co-chairs of the 80th campaign – Gilles, Jessy, and Kevin Desjardins from the company Brigil – took this opportunity to launch an Outaouais-wide bike tour to visit the community organizations supported by Centraide Outaouais. They will travel 800 km by bike to celebrate the organization’s 80th anniversary. This initiative reflects the co-chairs’ commitment to promoting sustainable transportation while ensuring a physical presence across the Outaouais region.

A “flame” for the 80th anniversary

During the campaign launch, Centraide Outaouais unveiled the 80th anniversary flame, which will travel across the region over the next year. Éric Charron, General Manager of the Caisse Desjardins de Gatineau, was the first bearer of the flame today. It will then be brought to various local businesses participating in the Centraide Outaouais campaign. This relay highlights the contribution of Centraide campaigns, which collectively allow Centraide Outaouais to fight poverty and social exclusion by supporting 88 community organizations with funding and services, and by running programs such as Habits de neige and Retour en classe.

This new-generation flame was designed by students from the machining program at the Centre de formation professionnelle des Portages-de-l’Outaouais.

“The commitment to community is a story written in our family, from father to son. It started with my own father, who introduced me at a young age to giving back. Today, we see more people living in poverty, and the needs are urgent. Supporting the mission of Centraide Outaouais and getting involved in our community is very important to us. Contributing to improving my region has always been my greatest goal, and I am proud to be Chair of this exceptional campaign with my sons, in the same year that we celebrate Brigil’s 40th anniversary.” – Gilles Desjardins

“For several weeks, we had the opportunity to visit multiple organizations, and I was deeply touched by these meetings and the work being done. These are people passionate about their community and the support they provide. Centraide Outaouais also has a professional team that understands the needs and challenges of the community sector, from small to large organizations throughout the Outaouais. We are happy to contribute to this 80th campaign as a family and to promote Centraide Outaouais’ mission across the region and to all audiences, including our generation’s youth.” – Jessy Desjardins

“Community organizations are part of a social fabric where everyone helps and complements one another to create a healthier, more autonomous, and sustainable community. Poverty and social exclusion are very significant issues. I participated in organizing the Maison de l’amitié’s sharing store as part of the Retour en classe program funded by Centraide Outaouais. The program provides school supplies to children at low cost. Speaking with the executive director of the Maison de l’amitié was very inspiring. She explained that after 22 years of work, she sees young people who attended the center return years later to help and contribute to the organization after completing their own personal journey.” – Kevin Desjardins

2024 Goal: $4,500,000

Centraide Outaouais provides a social safety net for the community and works toward an inclusive society free from poverty.

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Contact :

Émile Denois

Directrice, Marketing et Communication

gorin-denoise@centraideoutaouais.com

Cellulaire : 613-608-1617