In more than a decade of support, EXFO employees have raised more than $1 million for United Way of Canada. “Several fundraising activities are organized throughout the year,” EXFO Communication Manager Maryse Imbeault said. “Direct donations are also given by the vast majority of our employees. To date, over 1 million dollars have been donated to the movement’s initiatives.”
United Way of Canada has three primary areas of focus: “moving people from poverty to possibility; helping kids be all they can be; [and] building strong and healthy communities.”
One of United Way of Canada’s major projects is the 211 phone service, which connects callers with social service information covering housing, food, crisis intervention and support to seniors and children. According to United Way, 70% of Canadians have access to 211; 89% said they received the help they needed from a 211 referral; 575,000 Canadians call 211 each year; and 1.5 million use an online database of resources.
Germain Lamonde, an EXFO founder and long-time CEO, in addition to his work with United Way, served as honorary president for the Leucan Shaved Head initiative in the Quebec City region.
Mr. Lamonde has also been involved in numerous charity organizations such as United Way and served as honorary President for the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge for the Quebec City Region, which was started by a businessman looking to support children facing cancer. The group raises millions each year to support clinical research as well as provide personalized service to kids and their families.
Earlier this year Lamonde appointed current CEO Philippe Morin to the top spot from his previous position as chief operating officer. Lamonde became executive chairman and leads acquisition strategy among other areas of focus.
