MONTREAL – The economic slowdown and threat of a fiscal cliff has not affected the generosity of Montrealers.
On Thursday, Centraide revealed a record-breaking amount raised with the help of more than 100,000 donations in the Montreal area.
“A lot of organizations are in transition, so for them to have amassed that amount in a very difficult year, I think we should be proud,” said James Cherry, the Chair of Centraide’s Board of Directors.
Donations have tripled since 1981 – something that Centraide should be very proud about.
However, for the powerhouse behind it all, Michele Thibodeau-Deguire, it was a day of mixed emotions.
She has spent almost 22 years as president and executive director of Centraide, but this year’s campaign will be her last.
“These years have been absolutely extraordinary and I feel like I’m losing something,” she said.
“I’ve met extraordinary people and brought extraodinary people together.”
Ask anyone who knows Deguire and they will tell you how she lives up to her nickname “the dynamo.”
“She’s done a fantastic job,” said Cherry. “She’s really lifted the organization to new heights.”
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The impact of a donation to Centraide
L’Ancre des Jeunes is a community centre that takes in thirty young dropouts every year – some coming from broken or abusive homes. The centre encourages them to reintegrate into academics and society.
“I opened up because I never used to be open, and now I talk to people, I socialize with people,” said Shanique Thomas, a student at the centre.
This would not be possible without help from Centraide, the people who make donations – and Deguire’s passion for fighting poverty.
“It’s because of the work that’s been done by all those community organizations that makes sure that no one feels like they’ve been put in the garbage can – that they’re worth something,” Deguire said.
Now that she’s built a strong foundation, it’s time for her to move on . . . and as she leaves her post, she leaves us with these words of wisdom:
“We seem to always be in a hurry . . . but things take time.”
To make a donation to Centraide, click here.
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