Éducaloi: Quebec’s indispensible source for legal information and education needs funding support

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Montreal, March 1, 2018 – With less than a month to go before the end of its annual fundraising campaign, Éducaloi has reached 70 % of its goal and is looking to raise another $100,000. There are only 21 days left to contribute to this crucial project: upgrading Éducaloi’s website (educaloi.qc.ca/en), adapting it to current user habits and making it mobile-friendly. The objective of the campaign is to raise $200,000 in net profits by March 22 through corporate donations and partnerships, and from members of the public.

“Éducaloi’s website receives close to five million visits each year, and it was last upgraded in 2012. Quebecers are increasingly connected to their mobile devices, and given that the website is the heart of the organization’s activities, a new upgrade to a more mobile-friendly version is essential to Éducaloi’s survival,” explains Me Ariane Charbonneau, Executive Director of Éducaloi. “In our last four fundraising campaigns, we met our objectives through the generous contributions of members of the legal and business communities, but this is no longer enough. We are counting on the help of the general public, which is the major beneficiary of the legal information and education tools Éducaloi develops, to make this year’s campaign a success.” The organization has raised $566,000 in net profits since 2013, with close to 1,400 guests attending its four previous benefit events.

“If we don’t raise the funds we need to carry out this short-term project, Éducaloi’s website could become obsolete and no longer meet the needs of Quebecers. This would in turn impact Éducaloi’s credibility and position as a leader in the clear and effective communication of the law,” says Julie Bourbonnière, Director of Business Development, Communications and Philanthropy.  She adds that the “organization is required to self-finance over 60% of its yearly budget through philanthropic activities and yearly donations, projects and grants. This puts a strain on our organization’s resources and takes time away from the core of our mission: informing Quebecers about the law, their rights and their responsibilities.”

Major Benefit Event on March 22

A committee of 13 influential ambassadors is hard at work to support Éducaloi in its annual fundraising campaign.  Me Marc-André Fabien, Ad.E., is the honorary chairman of the campaign. He is a senior partner at Fasken Martineau and president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.  The fundraising activities are well under way. New this year, a “Jeans Day” was organized in conjunction with the legal community. On February 23, employees from 10 law firms and partner organizations, including the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DCPP), proudly wore denim to work and donated to Éducaloi.

Tickets are still available for the benefit event on March 22, which will take place at Le Parquet of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. The guest of honour will be Senator and Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc. Several athletes will also be in attendance and mingling with distinguished guests.

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About Éducaloi

Éducaloi is an independent non-profit organization founded in 2000. It plays a key role in improving access to justice in Quebec. Éducaloi is now a leader in designing and producing reliable and accessible information tools that present the law clearly and concisely. The organization receives financial support from its partners, which include the Barreau du Québec, the Chambre des notaires and SOQUIJ, as well as Canada’s Department of Justice and Quebec’s Ministry of Justice. Éducaloi also relies on partnership agreements with businesses, special projects, advisory services for organizations and an annual fundraising campaign. Website: educaloi.qc.ca.

Me Ariane Charbonneau, Éducaloi’s Executive Director, and Julie Bourbonnière, Director of Business Development, Communications and Philanthropy, are available for interviews.

Information and Interview requests:
Julie Bourbonnière
Director of Business Development, Communications and Philanthropy
julie.bourbonniere@educaloi.qc.ca
T 514 954-3408, ext. 3687
C 514 993-8530