In celebration of its 70th anniversary, Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska (R-Y) officially launched its 2025 fundraising campaign yesterday. From a tour of local organizations to meaningful exchanges with community stakeholders and a warm evening gathering, the day highlighted the collective strength that helps support 80,000 vulnerable individuals across the region each year.
In the afternoon, members of Centraide R-Y’s campaign cabinet and board of directors had the privilege of visiting three community organizations in the area. During this bus tour, they met frontline workers who are at the heart of community action.
The day concluded with a friendly evening reception that brought together dignitaries, volunteers, organizations, and businesses—a special moment to build connections, engage with leaders from the community and business sectors, and witness the powerful impact of Centraide R-Y’s work. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Jacques Laurin, General Manager of the Caisse Desjardins de Granby – Haute-Yamaska and campaign co-chair for the Haute-Yamaska MRC, who generously hosted the event at his offices.
Record Investments and Thousands of Lives Transformed
In its most recent campaign, Centraide R-Y raised a record-breaking $2.7 million, made possible by the generosity of donors and the exceptional commitment of campaign cabinet volunteers. Mr. Alain Fortin, Senior Vice President at Intact Insurance Québec, has graciously accepted the role of Honorary Chair for a second consecutive year:
“Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska is celebrating 70 years—70 years of solidarity, commitment, and generosity, during which thousands of lives have been transformed. By offering support and kindness to the most vulnerable individuals and families, we strengthen our entire community, making it more resilient, more compassionate. Last year, we raised $2.7 million, and I truly believe that together, we can make this year’s campaign just as extraordinary.”
“In 2024–2025, we were able to invest an exceptional $1.8 million to support organizations across our territory. We’re deeply grateful that, year after year, businesses and citizens join forces to amplify this impact. With our theme ‘1 in 5 receives our help. 5 in 5 benefit from it,’ we want to remind everyone that every gesture—no matter how small—contributes to lasting, meaningful change,” added Ms. Caroline Lippé, Executive Director of Centraide Richelieu-Yamaska.
Giving Voice to Community Issues
Centraide R-Y also took the opportunity to unveil a special initiative: the podcast SOLIDAIRE, created in partnership with the FTQ Montérégie Regional Council. Through authentic and powerful conversations, this podcast gives voice to those who live with or support often invisible realities such as food insecurity, mental health challenges, homelessness, and social isolation. Centraide extends its heartfelt thanks to the participating organizations for their inspiring reflections, and to FTQ Montérégie for making this project possible. The podcast is scheduled for release in winter 2026.
