Portage Raises a Record $2 Million to Overcome Addiction

23rd Soirée des Grands Philanthropes

MONTREAL, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Portage Foundation is proud to announce the tremendous success of the 23^rd Soirée des Grands Philanthropes, held yesterday in tribute to Pierre Pomerleau, Executive Chairman of the Board of Pomerleau. Thanks to the generosity of participants, partners and donors, a record net total of $2 million was raised in support of Portage programs throughout Quebec. Over the past year, Portage has supported 2,372 individuals on their recovery journey.

(From left to right) Annie Lapointe, BMO Capital Markets; Julie Godin, CGI; François Tellier, EY; Claudine Bouchard, Hydro-Québec; François Olivier; Charles Emond, La Caisse; Maxime Dubé, Intact; Geneviève Lefebvre, Portage; Luc Sabbatini, Ganesh Capital and Event Co-Chair; Louis Pilon, JAMP Pharma Group; Colette Taylor, Portage Foundation; Michael Fortier, RBC Capital Markets and Event Co-Chair; Julie Moisan; Pierre Pomerleau, Pomerleau and 2026 Grand Philanthropist; Martin Jacques, Pomerleau; Marcel Dutil, Canam Group; Kim Thomassin, La Caisse; François Tremblay, Pomerleau; John Rae; Alexandre Viau, Portage Foundation; Denis Dubois, Desjardins Group; Laurent Ferreira, National Bank.

Presented simultaneously at the Salle des pas perdus at Windsor Station in Montreal and at the Séminaire Chapel in Quebec City, the event brought together a record-breaking 926 guests, including 770 in Montreal and 156 in Quebec City. Funds raised will help maintain and strengthen personalized support services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and for their loved ones.

This year's event paid tribute to Pierre Pomerleau for his long-term vision, commitment to people, and exceptional contribution to the communities he has helped build and strengthen. Over the decades, he has guided the growth of Pomerleau while remaining true to values of excellence and collaboration, fostering innovation and supporting the development of future leaders. Convinced that an organization's success is also measured by its social impact, he has consistently promoted a lasting commitment to communities and causes that help build a better future.

"I am deeply honoured by this recognition. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside people who believed in the importance of supporting others and giving back to their communities. It is in that spirit that Pomerleau has supported Portage for more than 30 years. Providing young people with the opportunity to recover and reach their full potential is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to stronger communities," said Pierre Pomerleau, Executive Chairman of the Board of Pomerleau.

Contribution from the Laurette and Hervé Pomerleau Fund
The Portage Foundation was also delighted to receive a $300,000 donation over three years from the Laurette and Hervé Pomerleau Fund to strengthen services for youth in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, where the Pomerleau family has deep roots. This support will enable Portage to expand its outreach, awareness and prevention activities with schools and community partners.

"This investment reflects the Pomerleau family's long-standing commitment to youth and to communities across the Chaudière-Appalaches region. More young people will be made aware of available resources and gain easier access to the services they need through the addition of a dedicated outreach resource. We are deeply grateful for their confidence in our mission," said Colette Taylor, Vice President, Philanthropic Development at Portage.

The Portage Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the event co-chairs, The Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Vice-Chair and Head of Global Investment Banking, Quebec, RBC Capital Markets, and Luc Sabbatini, President of Ganesh Capital, as well as the members of the honorary committee, partners, volunteers and all participants whose support contributed to the success of this 23rd edition.

About Portage
Since 1973, Portage has supported individuals struggling with substance use disorders and their loved ones by providing personalized care based on the therapeutic community model. By combining professional expertise, lived experience and best practices, Portage teams support each individual on their journey toward recovery.

A non-profit organization, Portage serves communities across Quebec through free bilingual services for adolescents, young adults, adults, mothers with young children, pregnant women, and individuals living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

With centres located in Montreal, Prévost (Laurentians), Quebec City, and Saint-Malachie (Chaudière-Appalaches), Portage offers more than 200 residential treatment beds and over 30 intensive outpatient treatment spaces throughout Quebec. Portage also serves communities across Atlantic Canada. For more information, visit www.portage.ca.

SOURCE Portage (Vaincre la dépendance)

Media Contact: Mélissa Cabana, Director of Communications, Portage, 514-799-8985, [email protected]; Requests for Mr. Pierre Pomerleau: Martine Robert, [email protected], 514-212-7812