Centraide generous to local groups

Three associations in Saint-Laurent, which normally receive small amounts from Centraide, will get more this year. Meanwhile, three other organizations, who account for the bulk of Centraide subsidies in Saint-Laurent, will get the same amount as last year. In all, Centraide will distribute $849,904 among local groups, compared to $866,104 last year.

The Comité des Organismes Sociaux de Saint-Laurent (COSSL), the Centre

d'Action Bénévole et Communautaire Saint-Laurent (CABC), and the local CSSS are among this year's recipients.

Chevrier feels that funds were distributed in a more random fashion in the past. Now, she says, the organization's three major financial partners contribute funds under the community support program to the tune of $55,000, COSSL's total budget. "This money is not nothing because it assures the longevity of our group," added Chevrier.

She points out, however, that more money is needed in order to develop other projects. "At the moment, we're supporting the project to relocate community groups into one building, the Maison des Jeunes, and the community grocery," she said.

"The profile of who a volunteer is has changed over the years," says CABC director Diane Deguire. "From the retired woman who devotes up to 30 volunteer hours per week, to the many people under 50, and especially under 30, who give of their time...The biggest difference is the number of hours new volunteers can give because often they have to work or go to school."

Deguire underscores that the Centraide subsidy will not only valorize the work done by CABC's six full-time employees, the extra funds will also go toward hiring someone to manage the young volunteers and for recruiting. "We have to ensure the continuity of our centre," she said.

The CSSS received $32,000, up 14% from last year's $28,000, to adapt the accessibility of services offered on its territory.

Moisson Montreal, where most of Centraide's funding in Saint-Laurent goes, received $457,458. The food bank, whose works on an annual budget of $2.2. million, has received the same amount from Centraide since 2000.

"Centraide had doubled our funding prior to that," said Moisson Montreal director Johanne Théroux, confirming that she'll be requesting new amounts next year. same goes for CARI Saint-Laurent, who received $125,000. "We got $80,000 two years ago and Centraide accounts for 8% of our $1.4 million budget," said CARI director Aïcha Guendafa.

She points out, however, that CARI's clientele is increasing and, subsequently, so are the organization's needs. CARI Saint-Laurent deals with approximately 35,000 new immigrants every year. "We don't have enough money to follow-up on them and we have limited human resources," said Guendafa, adding that her organization's mission is to help integrate the new arrivals into Quebec society.

The Saint-Laurent YMCA received $164,446 this year. Diane Martin, a spokeswoman for the YMCA of Greater Montreal, said she hopes the three-year plan will be renewed for all seven Y branches on the island. "We would like our financing to be indexed and that some of our projects be able to be funded in the next plan, due out in April 2007," she said. Financial aide from Centraide depends on how much the organization is able to fundraise. The funds are then redistributed to some 350 community organizations in Montreal, which help out an estimated 500,000 people.

Centraide's goal for this year is a record $50.5 million. Transcontinental founder and owner of the Saint-Laurent News, Rémi Marcoux, is the co-president of this year's campaign, which ends on Dec. 15. (Translated by Anna Bratulic)