Caisses populaires honored by the RGA

From left to right : Joanne Lefebvre, Normand Leroux, Carmen Simard, Michel Larose, Yves Bisson, Guy Nadeau and Jean-Claude Des Rosiers

During the 2011 Gala de l'excellence of the Regroupement des gens d'affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA) celebrating the success of the National Capital Region business community, the caisses populaires of Ottawa had the honour of being called to the stage to receive the Coup de cœur du bâtisseur communautaire award for their significant involvement in the community.

This tribute paid by the RGA is once again the result of exceptional teamwork. Here are a few examples of Ottawa caisses initiatives demonstrating their contribution to the community and participation in day-to-day events:

• Over $275,000 awarded in donations and sponsorships to the Ottawa community in 2010.
• Several caisses awarded a total of $750,000 to La Cité collégiale towards the construction of the Centre des métiers.
• The caisses and their employees took part in a fundraising drive for Défi Vélo Desjardins. In all, 450 cyclists collected $250,000 for the benefit of the pediatric oncology units of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Centres hospitaliers universitaires de Québec et Sainte-Justine.

Ottawa caisse managers Michel Larose, Carmen Simard, Normand Leroux and Yves Bisson as well as Guy Nadeau, Manager of the Desjardins Business Centre, all attended the event to accept the award in the name of employees and administrators, who all contributed to the spirit of sustainable development.

The caisses wish to thank all members of the 4 Ottawa caisses as well as all the organizations who nominated the Ottawa caisses for the Coup de cœur du bâtisseur communautaire award.