2006 winners

The Desjardins Annual Prize – Youth Assistance ($5,000)

Comité d’éducation aux adultes (CEDA) de la Petite-Bourgogne et de St-Henri, Montreal

Since 2001, through the Club Énergie, the CEDA of Petite-Bourgogne and St-Henri reaches more than 125 young people aged 7 to 14 from disadvantaged families. The Club Énergie offers outings and workshops on performing arts, television and video which is an opportunity for them to voice their concerns. In addition to helping the children, the project provides support for the parents.

The Desjardins Annual Prize – Community Development ($5,000)

Club Parentaide Beauce-Centre, Beauceville

Since 1994, the Club Parentaide Beauce-Centre has been running eight family healing centres. The winning project is the creation of 10 annual family events organized in various areas by volunteers. The Club’s 42 volunteers have also established a network of themed activities and created camp Les étincelles. This type of family themed camp is a first in Quebec and helps the municipality of St-Jules, which is affected by the closing of its plant.

The Desjardins Annual Prize – Senior Citizen Assistance ($5,000)

Centre d’action bénévole Le Hauban, Gaspé

The Centre d’action bénévole Le Hauban is 20 years old. Present in several localities, its main purpose is to support volunteers and organizations who help seniors. What caught the jury’s attention was the creation of a play, starring actors of various generations, that exposes the abuse and violence of which some seniors of victims. As a member of the multi-sectoral group on abuse towards seniors of the Côte-de-Gaspé territory, the Centre also raises awareness with its radio vignettes.

Desjardins Annual Prize Economic Development ($5,000)

Gang des Traînés de Saint-Hubert, Rivière-du-Loup

For 22 years now, the Gang des Traînés organization, made up in part by 16 to 35 year-olds, has organized the annual Festival de rue de Saint-Hubert-de-Rivière-du-Loup, where family, cultural and sporting activities take place. As the municipality’s major economic engine, the festival generates profits that support imaginative youth projects. The organization is planning to renew its activities and is considering new projects for the coming years.

The Desjardins Annual Prize – Sustainable Development ($5,000)

Friperie La Gaillarde, Montréal

Created in 2000, the La Gaillarde thrift shop’s mission is to reduce, recuperate and reuse residual textile material. Its goal is also to raise the population’s awareness about environmental issues as well as promote green artisans and designers. Since April 2005, La Gaillarde has recuperated and reused 4.5 tons of clothes, allowing 25 designers to create unique garments. La Gaillarde sells clothes made in its shops and welcomes marketing and environment interns.