Centraide raises more than $54.3 million to change the course of many lives - A 2nd Spin-O-Don winds up the 41st annual campaign

MONTREAL, Jan. 13, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The co-chairs of Centraide of Greater Montreal's 2015 campaign, Andrew Molson, Chairman of RES PUBLICA Consulting Group, and Eric R. La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer of METRO, announced this morning that $54,275,000 had been raised by this great fund drive which was launched last September 29^th to fight poverty and exclusion.

These funds will make it possible to give a new direction to the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who are helped by the 350 community agencies in Centraide's network. These agencies reach one person in seven in Montreal, in Laval and on the South Shore. They help kids succeed, offer concrete solutions for improving the living conditions of families, break social isolation, and build caring communities in our neighbourhoods.

The result of Centraide's 41^st campaign was announced just before the start of its 2^nd annual Spin-O-Don, an indoor cycling event held at Complexe Desjardins. For three hours some 300 participants, divided into relay teams, took turns spinning to raise funds. About $80,000 was collected thanks to their efforts.

"Today's event reflects the generosity and determination of the tens thousands of donors and volunteers who contributed their time and donations to support agencies that work with those in the greatest need," said Mr. La Flèche. "The money raised will make it possible to help many men, women and children who are confronted with daily challenges: they will be able to receive the necessary support to build a better future for themselves and their families," added Mr. Molson.

"It takes a whole network, supported by thousands of generous people, to provide sufficient healthy food for the hungry, to welcome newcomers, to support families, and to help those who are excluded or vulnerable. The donations collected in the community and in the workplace will allow the agencies to concentrate their efforts on changing lives for life," concluded Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal.

The $54.3 million raised from donors will be supplemented by the sum of $20 million that will be invested in targeted neighbourhoods over the next five years thanks to the Collective Impact Project (CIP). Supported by six Montreal foundations, this innovative initiative aims to have a measurable and lasting impact in reducing the poverty rate in Greater Montreal communities.

About Centraide

Centraide of Greater Montreal is an independent organization managed by a board of directors that is representative of the community. It serves Laval, Montreal and the South Shore. About 57,000 volunteers are involved in the some 350 agencies supported by Centraide, and another 22,000 work on its annual campaign. Centraide is supported by some 1,600 private and public corporations and organizations as well as by large trade unions. To learn more: www.centraide-mtl.org. People can still make a donation to Centraide online or by texting "DON" to 80100.

SOURCE Centraide of Greater Montreal

For further information: Annick Gagnon, Centraide of Greater Montreal, 514 288-1261, ext. 242, [e-mail]