On Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Pavillon Wilson, Centraide Sud-Ouest du Québec (SOQ) kicked off its 2025 campaign. Under the slogan "À go, on Centraide", this initiative aims to mobilize the population, businesses and organizations to support sustainable solutions to social issues.
A number of dignitaries were on hand for the occasion: Andrée Brosseau, Mayor of Coteau-du-Lac, Peter Zytynsky, Mayor of Pointe-des-Cascades, Julie Lemieux, Mayor of Très-Saint-Rédempteur and President of the Conseil des arts et de la culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (CACVS), and Steve Hickey, representing federal MP Claude DeBellefeuille. Coteau-du-Lac city councillor François Décosse also took part in the festivities.
"Tonight, we are gathered here to face reality. To support the mothers who hide their tears, the elders who wonder if anyone is thinking of them, or the young people who give up, telling themselves that the future no longer belongs to them. Everyone deserves a helping hand. What's interesting is that we're bringing together stakeholders from the political, municipal, business and even union milieus around the same cause," points out Kim Barrette, Director of Development and Partnerships at Centraide Sud-Ouest.
A tribute to Pierjean Savard
The evening was also an opportunity to pay tribute to Pierjean Savard, president of the annual campaign for the past five years. In recognition of his commitment, he was awarded the title of philanthropic president emeritus.
"What we do here is bigger than ourselves. Our real wealth is not what we keep, but what we share. My involvement with Centraide Sud-Ouest has opened my eyes to the reality that surrounds us and that we don't see because life moves so fast. Thank you to our donors. My boys, Charles and Raphaël, I hope to inspire you and that, when you grow up, you will want to make a difference in the lives of others," he confided with emotion.
The baton has now been passed to Chloé Raymond, who becomes the youngest campaign chair in the history of Centraide Sud-Ouest.
"The next generation of philanthropists is here. Young entrepreneurs, young leaders, we have a role to play. We can inspire, bring people together and show that it's never too early to do good, to give back, to build a better future," said Ms. Raymond.
Shining a light on vulnerability
In partnership with photographer Josiane Farand and thanks to the financial support of CACVS, Centraide unveiled a travelling photo exhibition on the theme of vulnerability experienced in the region.
"Centraide chose to tell a story, not just in words, but through a series of artistic photographs. Why did we do this? Because a photo has the power to touch the heart without detour. It's a face, a scene, a light that embodies the cause. The campaign thus becomes an approach that combines art and solidarity," explains CACVS President Julie Lemieux.
For Kim Barrette, the exhibition is a concrete illustration of Centraide's impact in the region: "Josiane, in this exhibition, has given a voice and a face to the mission of Centraide Sud-Ouest."
