{"id":50384,"date":"2026-11-11T09:01:38","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T14:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portage.ca\/?p=50384"},"modified":"2026-11-11T10:33:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T15:33:37","slug":"the-power-of-change-gala-celebrates-30-years-of-portage-atlantic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portage.ca\/en\/the-power-of-change-gala-celebrates-30-years-of-portage-atlantic\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Change Gala celebrates 30 years of Portage Atlantic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

More than 200 guests gathered at the Fredericton Convention Centre<\/a> for the Power of Change Gala<\/a>, an evening celebrating 30 years of Portage Atlantic<\/a> and the community that has supported its mission over the years.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of 28 sponsors, donors and guests, the evening raised $180,000, in addition to $24,500 in gifts in kind. <\/b>These contributions will help support Portage Atlantic<\/a>‘s programs and services in Cassidy Lake<\/a> and Moncton<\/a>, helping young people and families across Atlantic Canada access the support they need.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Stories at the heart of the evening<\/b>\u00a0<\/h4>\n

At the heart of the celebration were three Portage Atlantic graduates who courageously shared their personal journeys. Their stories offered guests a glimpse into the challenges they faced, how far they have come and the role Portage played along the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Their words were also a powerful reminder of why the community’s support matters. Behind every donation, sponsorship and act of generosity is an opportunity for a young person to find support, rebuild their life and look toward the future with hope.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For 30 years, Portage Atlantic has accompanied young people and their families on that journey. Since 1996, more than 3,500 young people <\/b>have received support, touching the lives of thousands of families along the way.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Discover 30 years of Portage Atlantic<\/a><\/p>\n

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A community behind the Power of Change<\/b>\u00a0<\/h4>\n

The evening was made possible by the many people who came together to celebrate this milestone.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Our heartfelt thanks go to our exclusive Freedom Champions, the Lions of District N 1<\/a>, whose longstanding support has made a lasting difference for youth and families served by Portage Atlantic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our Major Philanthropic Contributors, the Samuel and Becky Burgess Foundation, as well as all 28 sponsors who helped make the Gala possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A special thank you goes to our Gala Committee, Dave Ferguson, Sherrie Lee Evans, Randy Wheaton, Dylan Takacs, Mike Ross, Carol Tracey and Laurence Tremblay, as well as our Master of Ceremonies, Brent Buchanan, and the many volunteers who generously gave their time to make the evening possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Guests were welcomed with a performance by cellist Oksana Hnievysheva<\/a>, and the celebration came to a moving close with Frank Paul’s rendition of What a Wonderful World<\/i>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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To every sponsor, donor, volunteer and guest who contributed to this special evening, thank you for believing in the power of change.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your support helps Portage Atlantic continue to be there for young people and families through its programs in Cassidy Lake and Moncton.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Learn more about the Power of Change Gala<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Photo credit: Nicole Boudreau Photo<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\t