Business and community leaders place importance on
the health of their community
$82,000 raised at West
Island Community Shares’ Red & White Benefit Evening
Pointe-Claire, January 26, 2010. – The generosity of West Island residents and business and community leaders was evident in their response to the Haiti relief efforts. And on January 25th, they also highlighted the importance of continuing to meet the needs of the local community. More than 230 top executives and community leaders attended West Island Community Shares’ Red & White Benefit Evening at 40 Westt Steakhouse and helped to raise $82,000.
“We’re honoured to have corporate supporters who place a strong importance on the health of their community,” said Caroline Tison, Executive Director, West Island Community Shares.
The event was co-chaired by Mr. Ghislain Boudreau, Vice President, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations of Pfizer Canada, and Mr. Bernard Dorval, Group Head, Insurance and Global Development, TD Bank Financial Group. In addition to the evening’s co-chairmen, top business executives from the event sponsors – Bank of Montreal, Spinelli Lexus Lachine & Pointe-Claire, Merck, the Q 92.5 Radio, Bravo Rentals Inc. and AVW-Tel-Av were also among the guests.
Corporate support is crucial to West Island Community Shares’ fundraising success. Last year it raised $685,000 for 30 West Island community groups. More than half this amount was made up of corporate donations or corporate-led fundraising events to benefit West Island Community Shares.
Government officials including Yolande James, MNA Nelligan and Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, and Lucy Opritian, political aide to Mr. Pierre Marsan, MNA for Robert Baldwin were also in attendance.
Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal, with wine specifically paired to accompany each course. A portion of each ticket sold went towards West Island Community Shares 2009-2010 annual fundraising campaign, as did the proceeds of a silent auction and a raffle that took place during the evening. West Island Community Shares is a fundraising organization with a structure that is unique in Canada. Corporate partners help cover administrative costs, allowing it to distribute 100% of funds raised to the community groups it supports. The goal of this year’s campaign is to raise $700,000 through various initiatives and activities, including the Red & White Benefit Evening, by March 31st. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.communityshares.ca.
