Portage celebrated the 20th edition of its Soirée des Grands Philanthropes event on Thursday, September 21st, and paid tribute to Mr. Guy Cormier, President and Chief Executive Officer, Desjardins Group. His outstanding contribution to the business community and to Quebec’s socio-economic development was highlighted, along with his unwavering support for young people, women, and entrepreneurs.
For over thirty years, Desjardins Group and Portage have been working together to help young people battling with addiction. The Portage family is truly privileged and deeply grateful for Desjardins’ unwavering support.
We also took this opportunity to pay a posthumous tribute to André Chagnon, founder of Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, who believed in this event from the outset and supported the organization from its very beginning. Satya, his granddaughter, and Julien, a young man speaking for all those who benefited from Portage services, gave an emotional performance of the song “The Prayer.” A video montage of Mr. Chagnon’s important life moments and his invaluable contribution to Portage was showcased in the background.
A total of 775 guests were welcomed at the Windsor Station’s Salle des pas perdus, as well as 130 guests in Quebec City who took part in the Montreal event live from the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. We were also pleased to welcome Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier of Quebec and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility – along with Chantal Rouleau, Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action – as well as Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francization, and Integration. We would like to thank them for joining us and for supporting the Portage mission.
This year, the event in Quebec City was emceed by Julie Couture, anchorwoman at TVA Québec, who co-hosted the event with Pierre Bruneau in Montreal. They proved to be a most dynamic duo.
During the evening, two young Portage graduates shared their stories in both Montreal and Quebec City. We salute their courage and determination. Portage is very proud of them, and they truly reflect the impact Portage programs have in the community.
Véronic Dicaire’s lively musical performance set a most festive mood and memorable moment for our guests.
Our warmest thanks to the co-chairs, Anne-Marie Hubert of EY, and Louis Audet of Cogeco, the members of the Honorary Committee, and the partners and participants who helped make this evening a success. We would also like to thank the teams at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, who prepared a 4-course gourmet dinner for over 900 guests. All proceeds from this fundraising event will be donated to Portage’s programs in Quebec.
We will fondly remember this most successful 20th edition.
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