West Island Community Shares ceremony a celebration of community work

I had the great pleasure of emceeing a truly special event for West Island Community Shares last night.

About 400 people packed an auditorium at CEGEP Gérald Godin for the organization's annual fund distribution ceremony.

After a year of fundraising, during tough economic times, West Island Community Shares was handing out cheques to 40 community groups. 

Executive Director Caroline Tison told the crowd that, up until three weeks ago, the organization was short $100,000 of reaching their goal.

But several corporate donors came through, and the grand total topped a whopping $1,215,000 — $15,000 more than last year.

Every cent of the donations go to groups supported by Community Shares.

Every year these organizations touch the lives of 50,000 West Islanders, half of them at risk youth.

The best part of the evening was when huge mock cheques are handed out.

I introduced each group, gave a description of the work they do, and the money they would be receiving.

There were cheers in the audience as each group was called out. I likened it to an Oprah moment.

No one handing out cars or the latest gadget, but money and lots of it, to help people in need on the West Island.

• $40,000 for Action Jeunesse de l'Ouest-de-l'ile, an organization that provides support to troubled teens.
• $65,000 to Pierrefonds Community Project, which offers services for children of low income and immigrant families.
• $8,500 for On Rock Community Services a food bank, school lunch service and community diner for families in need. 
• $5,000 for The LGBTQ Youth Centre, a place where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people can hang out.

On and on it went.

For many of these groups the money is the core funding for their operating budgets.

It was a night to celebrate — a night to acknowledge the incredible work these groups do in our community. 

They do it with a selflessness and grace that truly is overwhelming.