Mission pour Elles raises $343,920 
to fight homelessness among women

Montreal, October 26, 2022 – The Old Brewery Mission’s Mission pour Elles benefit was back this year after a forced hiatus during the pandemic and a record $343,920 was raised. More than 260 people gathered at the Rialto Theatre in Montreal on October 19 for the event. The proceeds will be used to support women experiencing homelessness and help them reintegrate into society.

The co-presidents of the fundraiser were Rania Llewellyn, CEO of Laurentian Bank, and Annie Houle, Head of Canada at Ivanhoé Cambridge. 

“We are happy to be able to support services for women experiencing homelessness through our contribution to this wonderful evening,” said Annie Houle. “We know that the needs are dire and the Mission is providing our community with an essential service.”

”I was incredibly honoured to serve as co-president for this amazing gala event in support of the Old Brewery Mission’s Women’s Services,” said Rania Llewellyn. “Thanks to the generosity of the event’s partners and supporters, these funds will make a concrete and positive difference in the lives of Montreal’s most vulnerable women, helping them break the cycle of homelessness, poverty and violence so they can rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. At Laurentian Bank, we believe we can change banking for the better by seeing beyond numbers to bring hopes and dreams to life.”

“The money raised will help us continue expanding our emergency, transitional and housing services dedicated specifically to women experiencing homelessness,” said James Hughes, President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission.

The evening’s highlights included a stirring reading by the great Innu poet Joséphine Bacon and a spellbinding performance by jazz vocalist Kim Richardson, a long-time supporter of the Old Brewery Mission’s Women’s Services, backed by the Blok Note Big Band.

The Old Brewery Mission would like to underscore the invaluable contribution of the volunteers who spared no effort to make this event a success, including the members of the organizing committee: Dominique Lambert, Nathalie Léveillé, Leila Serrhini, Marianne Dupuis, Jill Martis, Andréa Wolfe, Phousady Vanny, Caroline Phaneuf, Jennifer Bales and Nicole Beaulieu, Executive Director, Philanthropic Development. The Mission thanks all its partners and donors for their generosity. Special thanks to Laurentian Bank, Ivanhoé Cambridge, EY, Torys, RBC Capital Markets, Keolis, CGI, CIBC, Mackenzie Investments, Square Phillips, Osler and BMO.