West Island Community Shares

West Island Community Shares holds 21st Red and White Gala

Local Journalism Initiative / The Suburban / August 6, 2025 / 40 Westt, Chelsey St-Pierre, Pointe-Claire, West Island Community Shares

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

West Island Community Shares (WICS) held its signature fundraising event, The Red & White 2025, at 40 Westt Restaurant in Pointe-Claire on Monday evening, February 24. The 21st edition raised nearly $305,000.

The annual soirée, presented by Pfizer, Banque Nationale and Broccolini, brought together members of the West Island community to celebrate this year’s Pillars of the Community.

Established in 1998, West Island Community Shares has become a cornerstone of local charitable initiatives, raising and distributing crucial funds to over 40 community organizations across the territory. These organizations provide essential services ranging from mental health support to youth programs and senior services.

The organization’s impact has grown significantly over the years. In their 25-year history, they have distributed more than $20 million to West Island charitable organizations, serving one in five West Island residents.

The supported organizations receive substantial funding ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 in six key areas of community development. This strategic funding approach ensures that resources reach those most in need across the West Island territory.

The Red & White event, hosted at the renowned 40 Westt Steakhouse, has become one of the organization’s flagship fundraising initiatives. This year’s event was supported by presenting partners Pfizer, Banque Nationale, and Broccolini, demonstrating the strong corporate support for community initiatives in the West Island.

Operating from their headquarters at 451 Beaconsfield Boulevard, West Island Community Shares continues to build partnerships between local businesses, community organizations, and residents to create a stronger, more resilient West Island community.

For more information about West Island Community Shares or to get involved with future initiatives, visit communityshares.ca.

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WICS continues bike give-away to WI youth

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

West Island Community Shares (WICS) held the fourth edition of Bikes for Youth at the Gerry-Roberston Community Centre in Pierrefonds-Roxboro last weekend. Some 60 volunteers gathered to assemble and test 70 new bikes destined for the big give away to underprivileged West Island teens the same day. “What an emotion-filled moment to see the smiles on their faces as they took their new wheels for a spin,” spokesperson for WICS Claude Gagné told The Suburban.

More than 500 children and teens have benefited from the Bikes for Youth initiative since its inception in 2017. Prior to receiving their new bikes, complete with helmets and locks, the teens were invited to enjoy music, games and a BBQ hosted by the volunteers. Some of the recipients with less experience were aided by volunteers to get used to their new riding equipment. Adjustments for height on the bikes and for straps on the helmets were made before the kids got to hop on to their new sports equipment for their first ride. It was a joyful afternoon for all who participated, givers and receivers alike.

Spearheaded by National Bank along with other corporate sponsorship partners, the initiative aims to raise funds and distribute bicycles — complete with helmets and locks — to vulnerable West Island teenagers. “National Bank firmly believes in West Island Community Shares’ mission and this campaign is a demonstration of its support,” Regional Vice-President, Corporate and Private Banking for National Bank Xavier Lalonde said.

“We enlisted the help of the community organizations part of our network to identify teenagers who would benefit from the program. These youths live in vulnerable situations. Most of them come from low-income families, often single-parent or newly arrived in Canada, for whom purchasing a new bike is virtually impossible on an already restricted budget. A bike gives these teenagers the freedom to discover, to grow and to spread their wings,” WICS Executive Director Meagan Somerville said. n