L. Jacques Ménard with Gabrielle Bleau-Côté, 8, recipient of the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy (less than 18 years) award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ celebration of National Philanthropy Day on November 13. | Photo courtesy: AFP Québec
AFP has more than 100 chapters worldwide. At this year’s National Philanthropy Day event, AFP Quebec presented eight awards to individuals, organizations and corporations that made outstanding contributions to philanthropy in the province.
An accomplished businessperson and author, Ménard was chancellor of Concordia from 2011 to 2014 and spent several years on its Board of Governors. He has received a number of honorary degrees and prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and is a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest public honour in the country.
Ménard is chairman of BMO Nesbitt Burns and president of BMO Financial Group, Quebec.