Portage's Recognition Ceremony - A victory over substance abuse for 225
graduates

MONTREAL, Oct. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, 225 men, women and adolescents celebrated their victory over substance abuse at the Théâtre Maisonneuve de la Place des Arts during the Recognition Ceremony. They celebrated this great success together with their loved ones who have been present since the beginning of their treatment in one of the Portage program substance abuse treatment centres in greater Montréal.

The Recognition Ceremony took place this afternoon and was attended by 2010 Olympic Winter Games gold medalist Alexandre Bilodeau, Portage President Peter A. Howlett, Portage Executive Director Peter Vamos and several governors. "The account that you have given us of your personal path are truly inspirational. You are conveying precious lessons of determination and courage." declared Mr. Bilodeau in his message to the graduates. The organization's president commended the efforts of the adults, adolescents and mothers, who successfully completed their respective programs, while adding: "I pay tribute to your courage and determination. You faced your fears and found the hope of a life full of possibilities. Moreover, you discovered that you already have all the resources in you to realize your dreams."

Louis-Alexandre, one of the graduates, was proud of what he had accomplished. After completing his program last December, he went back to school and now lives in one of Portage's supervised apartments.

A young graduate received a $2,000 scholarship from Sylvie Giguère, Vice President - Sales, Quebec Commercial, Bell Business Markets to highlight his leadership, participation and determination in the project La Rive. This project's objective is to help young people to reinforce the numerous skills acquired during the Portage program and it was ultimately aimed at their social reintegration.

Launch of the 2010-2011 Fundraising Campaign

On Wednesday, November 3th, Portage will launch its annual fundraising campaign in the presence of Mr. Serge Godin, the Chairman of the campaign, along with Co-Chairs and cabinet members. In order to allow Portage to pursue its humanitarian work, a target of $1,850,000 has been set. It is through the support of its benefactors that Portage can continue its mission. The money raised and the actions of volunteers have a concrete influence on those who want to regain control of their lives.

About Portage

Since 1970, Portage has helped over 34,000 substance abusers to conquer their dependency. The organization offers a multitude of services tailored to the needs of its residents including adult and adolescent substance abusers, substance-abusing mothers with young children, substance-abusing pregnant women and mentally ill chemical abusers. Portage graduates can benefit from the MIRE program (Movement for integration and retention in employment) created in partnership with the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon.

Portage operates seven substance abuse treatment centres across Québec: in Montréal, Beaconsfield, Prévost (the Laurentides), Québec and in Saint-Malachie (Chaudière-Appalaches). Three other establishments serve the populations of Ontario, British Colombia and Atlantic Canada.

For further information: www.portage.ca or by telephone at 514 939-0202.

For further information: Colette Taylor, Senior Director, Development Portage, Tel. : [phone], extension 123, Cell. : 514 946-8798; Stéphanie Babin, HKDP Communications and Public Affairs, Tel. : [phone], extension 238, Cell. : 514-258-5950, [email protected]