Montreal's 21st Century Catholic Community Campaign Launches Public Fundraising Campaign

Focused on the Future, Building on the Past

MONTREAL, May 28, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Did you know Montreal's English Speaking Catholic Community supports more than 60 organizations helping more than 33,650 people and families every year by offering over 285 programs to children, families, seniors and those in need?

The community's social and service institutions focus on the well-being of individuals and families regardless of their religious, linguistic, cultural or social backgrounds. The services are many including;

• summer camps and support groups for youth
• specialized resources to families in transition dealing with divorce, remarriage or the need to care for elderly parents
• support for seniors living in isolation
• networking programs to help groups learn from each other and more effectively help those in need

The 21st Century Catholic Community Campaign's (21CCC) goal is to provide a solid financial footing that will strengthen the community's heritage, its lifeblood and its future.

While supporting existing programs and developing new ones to meet today's needs, the campaign will also fund the upgrading and improvement of key infrastructures.

The campaign is being co-chaired by Peter O'Brien and Robert Vaupshas both of whom have extensive experience in fundraising and with Montreal's English speaking Catholic Community. To demonstrate the importance of this effort and to reach as many people as possible, three key organizations with a common cause and shared commitment, The Foundation of Catholic Community Services, Pillars Trust Fund and the Father Dowd Foundation, have come together in this one time 21st Century Catholic Community Campaign.

"We are very pleased and grateful for with the co-operation and commitment we have received and continue to receive from these three organizations and their boards," said Mr. Vaupshas. "We believe this statement of leadership around a common cause will spur on others to give and to make this campaign a success."

"The breadth and reach of the people served and the services provided are extraordinary. But most importantly, they make a difference to peoples' lives," commented Mr. O'Brien. "In these times of government cutbacks, it is up to us to ensure the service and support networks built up over generations are there for generations to come. This is why this campaign is so vital."

SOURCE: The 21st Century Catholic Community Campaign

For more information on the 21CCC or to donate, visit our website at www.21ccc.ca or call Jill Quinlan Bird, Executive Director at 514-937-2301 ext. 257.