Hockey Helps enlists stars from the Montreal Canadiens to support Centraide

An autograph session and silent auction will be held at Place Vertu

MONTREAL, Jan. 9, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Thanks to the initiative of Hockey Helps, a number of star players from the Montreal Canadiens will take part in the Cirque des Signatures on January 12, from 12:00 to 16:00, at Place Vertu. This charity event that is open to the public consists of a silent auction and autograph sessions with star Canadiens players such as Carey Price, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Gorges, Travis Moen, Brandon Prust and Peter Budaj. Hockey Helps will donate part of the proceeds to Centraide of Greater Montreal.

"All of the players and I are particularly proud to support Centraide. The diligent way that Centraide invests money in the community for Greater Montreal's most vulnerable people, especially children and families, has inspired us to generously contribute to its mission, while at the same time meeting the most passionate fans in all of hockey, the fans of the Montreal Canadiens," stated Wessley Perisa, President, Hockey Helps.

In addition to taking part in an autograph session with their favourite players, ticket holders will receive autographed player photos on site and can attend a silent auction to bid on hockey memorabilia. Fans can buy tickets in advance from legendsdepot.com to get a discount on general admission and VIP tickets. A limited number of tickets will also be sold at Place Vertu on the day of the event.

In Greater Montreal, one in six children grows up in a poor family. As pointed out by Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal, "Poverty and social exclusion greatly decrease someone's chances for a better future. This is why we are so pleased with the generous initiative of Mr. Perisa, President of Hockey Helps, and the Canadiens players who have gotten involved. Their commitment, combined with that of hundreds of thousands of donors and volunteers, allows 370 community agencies and projects in Centraide's network to support and provide tools to half a million vulnerable individuals in our community."

About Centraide of Greater Montreal

Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent philanthropic organization managed by a board of directors that is representative of the community. It serves Laval, the Island of Montreal and communities on the South Shore. More than 140,000 people contribute financially to its annual fundraising campaign, which is supported by some 1,800 companies, institutions, and public and parapublic organizations as well as by large trade unions. Centraide of Greater Montreal supports community agencies and projects that help over half a million people. There are 18 autonomous Centraides in Quebec, each managed by an independent board of directors that is representative of the community it serves.

SOURCE: Centraide of Greater Montreal

For further information:

Marine Groulx
Centraide of Greater Montreal
Phone: 514-288-1261, extension 286
groulxm@centraide-mtl.org