Concordia's Centraide campaign is officially launched — and off to a strong start

Concordia's 2026 Centraide campaign launched with Taste of a Good Cause, an event that brought the community together to sample dishes donated by Concordia’s approved caterers, with all proceeds going to Centraide of Greater Montreal. 

The sold-out event raised $3700, including 29 pay-it-forward tickets donated by community members to student groups across the university. More than 40 students also received free coupons on the day of the event. Any remaining food was diverted to the Concordia Food Coalition's community fridges on the seventh floor of the Hall Building and to People’s Potato.

A strong start for Centraide

"This collaboration between the Hospitality and Centraide team for Taste of a Good Cause was a great way to launch our Centraide campaign”, said Annie Gérin, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and co-chair of the campaign. She is joined by fellow co-chair Philippe Beauregard, Concordia’s chief communications officer.

Kathleen Lizé, chief financial officer, and Bradley Nelson, the deputy provost and vice-provost for Student Life and Experience are also joining the Centraide team this year as co-chairs of the Leaders' Campaign. Sophie Mailloux, manager of student experience, is serving as campaign coordinator.

Helping communities across Greater Montreal

The campaign runs until November 6, with the goal of raising $200,000 for Centraide. Funds raised support community organizations working to address poverty, food insecurity and social isolation.

Each year Centraide evaluates the changing landscape of need across Greater Montreal, and the need remains significant. Today, Centraide-funded organizations help some 800,000 Montrealers — about one in five in Montreal, Laval and on the South Shore — through 375 agencies and projects.

The Concordia community has contributed to Centraide fundraising for over 50 years.

 “Throughout its history, Concordia has excelled by prioritizing inclusion, social justice and giving people every opportunity to succeed,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “Those values are also at the heart of Centraide's work to provide a brighter future for young people, decent living conditions for the most vulnerable, and caring communities for those at risk of being left behind.”

New for 2026: premium prize draws

This year, Concordia is introducing special premium prize draws for payroll deduction donors. Make one of the following changes to your payroll deduction, and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win:

• First time donors: Give a minimum of $8 per pay. 
• Past donors: Increase your donation by 5%
• Leader donations: Increase your donation by 10%. (Leader donations are more than $1200).

The 50-50 draw will also be available, along with a limited number of regular prizes through raffle ticket sales. However, payroll deduction is the only way to be automatically entered into the premium prize draws.  See the impact of giving through payroll deduction. All prize winners will be announced at the campaign closing event. 

How to get involved

There are many ways to support the Centraide campaign:

• Donate: Watch for the Centraide emails with your customized giving link.
• Raise awareness and funds: Talk to your colleagues or organize an event. 
• Join a campaign event: More events are coming, including the popular Bingo and Pet Photo Contest. Check out the Concordia Centraide Campaign website regularly for updates on fundraising events and activities.

For more information or to volunteer, contact: centraide@concordia.ca.