Our major
philanthropists
Major philanthropists choose Centraide to contribute to the social development of Greater Montreal and provide a safety net for vulnerable members of the population. Their enthusiasm and generosity are a great source of strength.
Major Donors contribute to Centraide with personal donations of $10,000 or more. They form a network of more than 760 donors in the Major Donors’ Circle, which is overseen by the Major Donors Cabinet, a group of influential volunteers who personally solicit donations from their peers.
Challenges that have been exacerbated in recent years have reinforced the importance of a strong social safety net for those most in need in our community. By continuing and even scaling up our efforts, we can help them overcome the main hardships in their daily lives, such as food insecurity, housing issues, academic struggles, or mental health problems. Your donations have a major impact on our communities and let us envision a society in which everyone has a place.”
Eric La Flèche, Chair of the Major Donors’ Circle
As a member of the Major Donors’ Circle, you’ll receive :
- A recognition cocktail offered exclusively to the members of the Circle.
- A personal meeting with a Centraide representative about community issues and philanthropic objectives.
- Activities in organizations supported by Centraide.
- Networking opportunities with people from all walks of life in the Greater Montreal Community.
- Recognition in the Major Donors Directory.
The greatest legacy our father, David Azrieli, left us is our ability to make positive change in the world through philanthropy. Part of the mission of the Azrieli Foundation is to create opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable people. So, when we want to empower people in their own neighbourhoods, we fund organizations that are leaders in those communities.”
When I moved to Saint-Henri in Montreal, I was struck by the level of poverty, particularly the poverty that hits many brave people who, despite having a job, simply can’t get by. I feel lucky, as I have not had many setbacks and I know that life can turn upside down in a heartbeat.”
We have been in business since 1949, and we are very fortunate in our personal lives and in our careers. Helping those in need has been rooted in our family culture and values from generation to generation. It is a part of our parents’ legacy to give back to the community.”
Before calling Canada home, my career took me to many different places around the world where I witnessed extreme poverty and social injustice. Although I have been involved with charities abroad, I also believe it is of upmost importance to give back to the community where I live, and where SNC-Lavalin is headquartered.”
My grandmother told me that, for every dollar I made, I had to give 10 cents to people in need. That’s how she taught us the importance of giving to others. And that’s where my philanthropic instincts come from. This vision has stayed with me, and I’m now trying to pass it on to my sons.”
At an early age, my parents and teachers taught me how important it was to give back. At home, we talked about tzedakah, the Hebrew word for charity, and our religious and civic obligations to give to the most vulnerable. For every birth, wedding or funeral, we would send a gift to charity in honour of our family and friends. When I moved to Montreal six years ago, I started to give locally to support my new community.”
Although I grew up in a disadvantaged environment, I was encouraged to pursue higher education, which led me to a wonderful career and a great quality of life. I have been very fortunate, so I feel that it’s my duty to give back to those in great need, to give them the same opportunities I had and was able to give my daughters.”
THANKS TO MAJOR DONORS
This directory presents all the Major donors who have contributed to Centraide over the past year. Find out by filtering your search by name or by donor category.
Filters
Arun Bajaj and Deborah Reiskind
Hélène Robitaille et Pierre Beaudoin
Janine Bombardier et Sadok Besrour
David Bensadoun and Isabelle Poirier
Grégoire Baillargeon et Nathalie Forcier
Natalie Lemieux et Alain Auclair
2021 Major Donors and Gold Leaders Directory
The list of donors who have contributed to Centraide with a personal donation of $5,000 or more, punctuated by eloquent testimonials.