Centraide Estrie hits $2 million milestone as it celebrates 50 years of community impact
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Centraide Estrie reached a historic milestone Wednesday night, announcing it will invest more than $2 million into the community for the first time in its history. The announcement was made during its annual recognition gala, Ici, avec cœur et reconnaissance, held at the Centre culturel Le Parvis in Sherbrooke.
The gala also marked Centraide Estrie’s 50th anniversary and brought together over 100 donors, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate the milestone and the results of its latest fundraising campaign.
“I’m extremely proud to announce that our 2024 campaign surpassed the 2023 total, reaching $2,616,079,” said Joey Dubreuil, president of the campaign cabinet, to enthusiastic applause. That amount will allow Centraide to invest $2,001,587 in 93 community organizations, programs, and collaborative projects across the Estrie region in 2025–2026.
“This isn’t just about numbers,” said board president Christèle Gran-Villeneuve in a prepared statement. “Behind every dollar invested is a real person—a young person receiving guidance, a supported family, a senior who feels less isolated. It’s our partner organizations that make all of this possible.”
Among the investments, $265,000 will support nine initiatives under the Projets collectifs program (formerly known as Bâtisseurs communautaires), aimed at addressing pressing issues such as mental health, food insecurity, and social isolation. The remaining funds will support the core missions of 73 local organizations and 11 additional targeted programs.
Dubreuil emphasized the significance of the achievement in the current economic climate. “This campaign was full of challenges,” he said. “With economic uncertainty and global instability, fundraising hasn’t been easy. But thanks to long-time partners and new supporters, we’ve once again surpassed our goal.”
He noted that around half of workplace campaigns saw growth this year, with the other half experiencing declines. Still, he said the overall increase was a clear sign of the community’s loyalty. “Centraide may be a large organization, but there’s nothing more local than Centraide Estrie.”
He also acknowledged a new partner, the Sibylla Hesse Foundation, which contributed a $10,000 donation this year, and highlighted two significant legacy gifts received in 2024. These donations enabled Centraide to fund three additional collective projects.
Dubreuil offered a breakdown of the campaign’s funding sources: 65 per cent came from workplace donations (primarily through payroll deductions), 25 per cent from foundations, and 10 per cent from individual donors. “That means 65 per cent comes from employees who give directly from their paycheques—it’s really the bread and butter of the campaign.”
A total of 155 companies, public institutions, and foundations participated in the 2024 campaign, with 40 of them contributing over $10,000 each.
The evening also included the presentation of nine recognition awards. A new distinction, the Centraide Impact Award, was introduced this year to highlight the outstanding contribution of someone working within a partner organization.
Award recipients included:
- Centraide Impact Award: Martine Chiasson (Centre l’Élan)
- Heart to Heart Award: Mélanie Adam (EXP)
- Community Builders Award: Table de quartier 4-Saisons
- Youth Leadership Award: Anne-Sophie Lemieux (Café William)
- Philanthropic Commitment Award: Michelin
- Nicole-Dorin Volunteer of the Year Award: Julie Laplante
- Solidarity Effort Award: RBC Royal Bank
- Centraide University Award: Nathalie Dubé
- Louis-Beaupré Organization of the Year Award: La Chaudronnée de l’Estrie
Details about each recipient’s achievements will be shared on Centraide Estrie’s website in the coming days.
Closing his remarks, Dubreuil encouraged those in attendance to help carry the message forward. “We all got involved because someone asked us. We were inspired by someone else. Now it’s your turn to ask someone in your life—to give time or money, however they can. Be contagious.”
He added, “Centraide’s mission is about giving back to the community in many different ways, through many different organizations. Let’s keep building momentum in this 50th anniversary year.”
Founded in 1975, Centraide Estrie continues to combat poverty and social exclusion throughout the region. For more information on its programs or how to get involved, visit www.centraideestrie.com.