Since its first campaign in 1974, Centraide has become a key actor in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Every year, it supports 375 community agencies and projects that help one out of five people in Greater Montreal. 

(Click on the various thumbnails linked to the 50th)

History

Homme qui pointe un thermomètre mural avec une règle

Centraide of Greater Montreal stems from a group of charitable agencies that served different sectors of our community. It is the proud heir to a long tradition of community service.

Do you know Centraide of Greater Montreal?

Centraide of Greater Montreal employees share their organization’s history with you. From its origins to the major social projects Centraide has implemented over the past five decades, this video gives you a better understanding of the history and mission of a philanthropic organization that has contributed to Greater Montreal’s social development.

©Résonance Créative, ©Obed Dejean and ©Jean-Marc Abela

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News

Arche Centraide 50e anniversaire

Tributes to Centraide

On April 18, members of Centraide’s Board of Directors and the management team were received by Mayor Valérie Plante as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, to sign the City of Montreal’s Golden Book. We are proud to receive this recognition of 50 years of social impact, solidarity and generosity alongside community agencies, for the most vulnerable people of Greater Montreal.


On February 3rd, the 50th anniversary of Centraide of Greater Montreal was honored at the National Assembly. To mark this significant milestone, the Minister responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action, Chantal Rouleau, also the Member of Parliament for Pointe-aux-Trembles at the National Assembly, highlighted the undeniable contribution of our organization in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Claude Pinard, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal, and Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal from 1991 to 2012, were present for the occasion.

Claude et MTD

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Programming

©OlivierBousque_Auteur_Kezna-Dalz

Welcome to this section dedicated to Centraide’s 50th anniversary, a year of exceptional programming that will look back at five decades of solidarity, generosity and social impact.

More than just a simple milestone, this year will be filled with activities that reflect our history, our action, and our commitment to the Greater Montreal community.

Read below for an overview of the program we have in store for this special year:


Concerts in parks

Event concluded

Note de musique

Immerse yourself in the magic of music with outdoor concerts starring the Orchestre Métropolitain, an iconic musical ensemble deeply rooted in the community.

Centraide is proud to partner with the Orchestre métropolitain to present three concerts of the series entitled “L’OM PREND L’AIR”, events designed to make classical music accessible to all audiences, and to promote social and cultural inclusion.

Under the direction of conductor Naomi Woo, these concerts scheduled for July 2024, are intended to be friendly, relaxed, and family-oriented gatherings, where music lovers and the curious come together in an outdoor setting. A wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of community solidarity.

Evenings you won’t want to miss!

JOIN US TO EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT SOUNDS OT THE OM*:


Artistic Murals

Event in progress

Explore urban creativity with spectacular murals created by three artists: La Charbonne, and Francorama et Sarah Galarneau. These works of art will enrich the neighborhoods of Greater Montreal, aiming to illustrate our commitment to enriching local communities by celebrating urban creativity and highlighting the diversity that unites us.

A legacy from Centraide to be discovered starting this summer!

STAY TUNED FOR THE LOCATIONS AND DATES!


Open House Day

Event concluded

Click here for a summary of the open house.

Maison

Dive into the heart of the action by participating in the open house days of local community agencies. Discover their inspiring initiatives, meet the faces behind the projects, and explore the tangible impact of your support.

This initiative is a unique opportunity to forge new connections, engage with the community, and, above all, learn more about the agencies that make up our network.

Come meet those who, day after day, work towards an inclusive Greater Montreal without poverty, and towards a caring society where every individual matters.

Rich emotional experiences await the whole family!

Join us throughout this special year, when every event will delve into our history, strengthen our bonds, and help us keep working for a better future.

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50 years of generosity and solidarity

This section highlights individuals and organizations who have collaborated with Centraide over the past 50 years, celebrating the transformative power of solidarity.

Browse through this selection of testimonials and portraits of individuals and organizations who have contributed to Centraide’s history, and whose impact continues to shape the future.

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50 years of social impact

Jardins collectifs avec des participantes

This section is dedicated to the social impact we have achieved thanks to our unwavering commitment over 50 years.

Over the decades, we have broken the cycle of poverty for many families, fostered the success of young people who are now accomplished adults, filled empty fridges, given a home to those without one, helped seniors overcome their isolation, promoted the inclusion of marginalized people, and much more. Our actions have changed lives, transformed neighbourhoods, and renewed hope.

As we celebrate half a century of social impact, get ready to relive key milestones in our history through a series of compelling articles:

Together, let’s make this 50th year a vibrant testament to our collective commitment to solidarity and inclusion.

Stay tuned for our special content!

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Planned Giving Campaign

Personnes qui parlent

Centraide of Greater Montreal’s 50th anniversary is a chance for us to reflect on the essential role that our organization plays in society and to understand the full scope of its contributions over time. 

This anniversary will also prompt us to look ahead and think about what we need to do to keep this mission going into the future.  

A planned giving campaign has been set up to specifically encourage these other ways of giving. Gifts in wills, gifts of RRSPs and life insurance policies, and endowments are all ways that you can support Centraide’s mission over the long term. 

Most of these deferred donations become pledges invested immediately in the community or to the Generations Fund, whose capital is invested to provide Centraide with sustainable revenue that is reinvested back into the community each year.

The cabinet for the Special 50th-Anniversary Planned Giving Campaign is co-chaired by Anne-Marie Boucher and James Cherry.

To learn more about making a planned gift, call 514-350-7295, email heritage@centraide-mtl.org or complete the online form.

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