West Island Community Shares celebrated its 20th anniversary in Pointe-Claire Thursday.
The organization supports dozens of non-profits that offer vital services to West Islanders.
“When we started off 20 years ago, our first campaign, we raised $102,000 for eight community groups,” said West Island Community Shares spokesperson Linda Thompson.
“Our last campaign, we raised $1.2 million for 41 community groups who help more than 60,000 here in the West Island every single year.”
The organization funds food banks, mental health organizations, cancer support groups, seniors’ advocacy groups and much more.
READ MORE: West Island Community Shares celebrates reaching $1.2-million fundraising goal
“They are really a resource for us that is tremendously useful,” said Lyne Charlebois, executive director of the West Island Association for the intellectually handicapped.
“Without their support, we really couldn’t have the impact we have in the community,” said Marla Newhook of West Island Citizen Advocacy.
Many West Island political leaders attended the breakfast fundraiser, including the mayors of Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Pointe-Claire, Jim Beis and Morris Trudeau.
READ MORE: West Island Community Shares launches first community blitz
West Island MNA and Quebec public security minister Martin Coiteux called West Island Community Shares an important ally.
“They provide support in terms of advice, in terms of helping organize support to people. It’s important to support this cause,” he told Global News.
READ MORE: West Island Community Shares struggles to reach financial goals
Their latest fundraising campaign has set a lofty goal.
“Our goal this year is $1.3 million,” said campaign co-chair and Pfizer Canada president John Helou.
“I think we can exceed that goal. So, I’m calling on the business community and all those that live in the community to reach out and provide as much as they can.”
To donate, visit the West Island Community Shares website.