The STM, corporate citizen

At the STM, nearly 14 000 people are committed to fighting against poverty, malnutrition, dropping out of school, social exclusion, health problems and other catastrophes.

Each year, the need for help becomes more important than ever in order to meet society’s ever-growing needs. Each year, active and retired STM employees make a difference in the everyday lives of people in need. In 1997, for example, active and retired STM employees contributed a total amount of $244 553, whereas by November 2008, the corporation’s annual fund-raiser collected an astounding $819 434!

Transit employees and clients showed their generosity during the eleventh annual fundraiser, the Bonnes œuvres des employés et retraités. For the occasion, company volunteers also collected money inside métro stations to help underprivileged families.

The 2008 drive raised some $819 434 that will be used to help out those most in need. Fund-raising activities of this scope can only be carried out if a corporation is moved by a strong sense of philanthropy enjoying a well-rounded, solid organization.

The funds collected are divided among these four organizations:

Canadian Red Cross, Québec Division can count on the generosity of active and retired STM employees for the help it needs to carry out its mission involving preparing for and responding to disasters, such as fires and floods. STM staff have all shown an unusual sense of philanthropy and, from one year to the next, the amounts collected keep setting new records. For the Red Cross, this fund-raising campaign among STM employees, both active and retired, is of capital importance, as such a strong commitment enables it to prepare to respond when large-scale emergency situations occur here in Québec.

Since 2003, active and retired STM employees have supported Partenairesanté-Québec and its 16 member organizations, involved in diminishing the impact of those 300 diseases that are responsible for 80% of all deaths in Canada. Their contribution is reinvested in local programmes and services adapted to the needs of people dealing with precarious health issues. Donations by the STM also help to advance research into finding permanent solutions. Partenairesanté-Québec, for giving hope and for giving life !

By giving to Centraide, active and retired STM employees are investing in more than 360 organizations working hard to help over 500 000 vulnerable people of all ages take control of their lives. STM employees are committed to helping today so that families, children, youngsters and seniors can better build their future. Indeed, according to Carole Legault, Director of Carrefour 6-12, in Pierrefonds, “We provide assistance to over 30 children living below the poverty line by helping them out with their homework, by supporting their parents so they can help with lessons, and by organizing activities. Centraide’s assistance is essential.”

Since 1995, active and retired STM employees have invested themselves in the Réchaud Bus “So that kids don’t go hungry,” and donated money has been going to feeding thousands of underprivileged kids in Montréal. Pierre Sigouin, Réchaud Bus founder father, said that “it is becoming increasingly expensive to feed children, so donations are crucial. We realize just how much so, when we see the smiles on the children’s faces.”

Réchaud-Bus is an example of humanitarian action by active and retired STM employees. In addition to collecting considerable sums of money each year, they also play an active role in administrating, organizing and operating the mobile canteen. Some 50 volunteers work 4 days a week to provide meals for children and enable the Réchaud Bus to cover the streets of Montréal’s neighbourhoods. Réchaud Bus currently supplies 65 schools and 17 youth centres.