On Friday, October 21, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel hosted the 9th edition of the biennial FIMJ Grand Ball of the Montreal Real Estate Foundation for Kids. This year, under the theme of the classic 1942 film Casablanca, 700 guests attended an elegant yet festive gala that raised a record amount of $501,000 for the cause.

FIMJ Grand Ball 2022 | Photo Howard Kay

Inspired by its motto “Building the future with youth“, and with the support of its partners and donors in the real estate industry, such as Groupe Petra; the Foundation will be able to continue to use its expertise and invest primarily in the real estate needs of Montreal organizations whose mandate is to help young people in difficult living conditions or suffering from disabilities.

FIMJ Board members with President of Honour Patrice Bourbonnais (From left to right: Anthony Arquin, Nathalie Bédard, Linda Plante, Patrice Bourbonnais, Isabelle Héroux, Mario Bédard, Jacques Laplante, Sonia Gagnon, Ruth Fischer and Joël Chareyron) | Photo Howard Kay

For example, the Foundation supports various organizations and projects, including the Ancre des Jeunes in the construction of an urban educational greenhouse to accompany an urban agriculture module aimed at restoring the importance of food in the eyes of young people and mobilizing them around a concrete project;

Jeunes musiciens du monde in developing the basement of the Saint-Nom-de-Jésus church, in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district;

and Centre Philou in the complete renovation of their multi-sensory room outfitted with some of the most modern equipment in Québec.

About the FIMJ Grand Ball

Each year, key events, such as the FIMJ Grand Ball, bring together movers and shakers in the real estate industry for the benefit of the Montreal Real Estate Foundation for Kids. They are excellent opportunities to reunite and mobilize for the cause of young people in difficulty. Since the founding of the FIMJ in 2003, over $2 600 000 has been raised with 95% of that amount donated directly to over 40 organizations doing good work.

From left to right: Mario Bédard, Nathalie Bédard and Patrice Bourbonnais | Photo Howard Kay

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