Gilles Desjardins and his family donate one million dollars to Centraide Outaouais

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjUiIJrrrrc

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The co-presidents of the 80th Centraide Outaouais campaign – Gilles, Jessy, and Kevin Desjardins of Brigil – have marked a new milestone in the history of philanthropy in the Outaouais region.

At a press conference held at Canevas, accompanied by members of Centraide Outaouais’ leadership team, they announced a historic $1 million donation as part of the organization’s 80th campaign.

Centraide Outaouais has set an ambitious goal of $4.5 million for the current campaign. The funds raised are intended to support 88 local organizations that fight poverty and social exclusion by providing essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community.

Gilles Desjardins, founder and president of Brigil:
“Giving back is part of my story, one passed down by my father and now continued with my sons. Over the past 40 years, I have supported more than 400 causes, always driven by the desire to help local people thrive. Today, the needs are urgent, and action is essential. Being co-president of this 80th Centraide Outaouais campaign with my sons, in the year of Brigil’s 40th anniversary, is profoundly symbolic. It is our way, as a family, of giving back to the community we love so much.”

Kevin Desjardins, life environment designer at Brigil:
“Community organizations are true social entrepreneurs. They weave an essential network of support that helps build a fairer, more inclusive society. Participating at the Maison de l’amitié community store deeply touched me. Seeing former youth return to give back is proof that the human impact of these organizations lasts across generations.”

Jessy Desjardins, vice president of development and design at Brigil:
“As co-president of the 80th Centraide Outaouais campaign, I have been profoundly impressed by the hands-on work of community organizations supported by Centraide Outaouais. Their dedication is remarkable and essential. I have also been struck by the scale of the area served. Centraide makes a tangible difference across the Outaouais region, and I am proud to contribute to a mission that changes lives every day.”

Sébastien Fugère, chair of the board of directors, Centraide Outaouais:
“We are proud to have had Gilles Desjardins and his sons as co-presidents of the 80th Centraide Outaouais campaign. Their commitment highlighted the importance of the organization and contributed to a remarkable success. The board expresses its sincere thanks.”

Cédric Tessier, executive director, Centraide Outaouais:
“This historic donation, unprecedented for Centraide Outaouais, comes at a critical moment. It strengthens our ability to support organizations and the most vulnerable. The generosity of Gilles, Jessy, and Kevin demonstrates a deep commitment to the community. We are immensely grateful to them.”

Noëlla Beausoleil, director of philanthropic development, Centraide Outaouais:
“This donation allows for the creation of a trust fund, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Centraide Outaouais. The Desjardins family is a model of philanthropy, deeply committed to their community. Thank you for this inspiring campaign, filled with genuine emotion that will remain with me forever.”

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Information

Carl Martin

cmartin@brigil.com

819-968-1500