
On Monday, January 27th, Community Shares held its signature fundraiser, the Red & White Benefit Evening, presented by National Bank and Pfizer Canada, and honoured 10 influential businesswomen philanthropists. More than 280 local business and community leaders attended the event which raised a record-breaking $275,000 net.
“This is a unique event for a unique organization. For the first time this year, we are celebrating 10 influential businesswomen who have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to supporting a vibrant and healthy West Island community. We chose to celebrate these women who support not only West Island Community Shares, but many other worthwhile organizations. They are exceptional leaders, who take pride in helping others, and often do so behind the scene. We decided it was time to shed the light on these exceptional businesswomen philanthropists,” said Michel Béland, Regional Vice-President RBC, and President of the Board of Directors of Community Shares.
Here are the 10 businesswomen philanthropists being celebrated for their contribution to their community and some of the causes close to their hearts: Teresa Broccolini, Director Property Management, Broccolini – Habitat for Humanity, Lakeshore Hospital & West Island Mission

Anna Mormina & Angela Martignetti, Co-Owners, Mfleurs; Chantal Carrier, Consultant and President of the Fund Distribution Committee of West Island Community Shares; Eva Chalkiadakis, Development Manager, Small Business, Scotiabank; Frederica Jones, Regional Vice-President, BMO; Brigitte Garceau, Lawyer, Robinson Sheppard Shapiro; Teresa Broccolini, Director, Property Management, Broccolini; Karine Thibert, Senior Manager Commercial Banking, National Bank; Lolita Guerrera, Vice-President, Commercial Markets, Royal Bank of Canada; Rhonda O’Gallagher, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Canada Inc.; Roberta Lacey, Head of Marketing, Avon Canada
Chantal Carrier, Philanthropist & Administrator – Community Shares, 60 million girls, social economy enterprise fund of PME-MTL West Island
Eva Chalkiadakis, Development Manager, Scotiabank – Rick Hansen Foundation, West-Island Women’s shelter, Missing Children’s Network Brigitte Garceau, Lawyer and Senior Partner, Robinson Sheppard Shapiro – West-Island Women’s Shelter, Centre Bienvenue, Heart & Stroke Foundation
Lolita Guerrera, Vice President, Commercial Markets, RBC – Ronald McDonald House, Centraide, Cancer Research Society
Frederica Jones, Regional Vice President, BMO – Community Shares, Kids Help Phone, SPCA Montreal Roberta Lacey, Head of Marketing, AVON – Avon Foundation of Women Canada, Big Brother Big Sister Canada, Community Shares
Anna Mormina & Angela Martignetti, Co-Owners, MFLEURS – Montreal Children’s Hospital, Dans la rue, JDRF
Rhonda O’Gallagher, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Pfizer Canada – West Island Palliative Care Residence, Canadian Paralympic Foundation, Community Shares
Karine Thibert, Senior Manager, Commercial Banking, National Bank – Bike for Youths for Community Shares, Fondation Martin-Matte, Vaudreuil-Soulanges Palliative Care Residence
Community Shares’ Executive Director, Sophie McCann, also thanked all West Islanders who contribute to support one or many community organizations in the shadow. “Although we are shedding light on these ten women tonight for their outstanding work, we recognize that many more men and women continue to offer their valuable time, expertise and financial support to many worthwhile organizations across the West Island and beyond. Some of them are even here with us tonight. Although you may not appear on the official photo, you should know that we see you, we recognize your contribution and your work truly matters,” said McCann.
Not only was 2020 a record-breaking event, the Red & White Benefit Evening has raised more than $2 million since its creation in 2005.
“This landmark event is a unique opportunity to bring together business leaders and members of the community to support West Island residents in need. Together, we can really make a difference in the lives of those who benefit directly from West Island Community Shares’ support. National Bank is proud to be part of this sweeping cooperative movement,” said Yannick Pelletier, Associate Vice-President, Commercial Banking, National Bank and 2019-2020 Community Shares’ Campaign President.
The proceeds of the evening will bring WICS one step closer to our annual fundraising campaign goal of $1.3 million. The campaign runs until March 31, 2020. Anyone who would like to contribute to building a healthy and vibrant West Island community, can make an online donation at communityshares.ca.
This year’s event sponsors who contributed to the event’s record-breaking success include National Bank, Pfizer Canada, Pharmaprix pharmacists Souren Bedrossian, Suzanne Fradet, Nada Nasreddine and Marco Vernacchia, Tenaquip, Spinelli Lexus Pointe-Claire, PME MTL West Island, ITR Laboratories, RBC, Canoe Financial and Sennheiser. About West Island Community Shares West Island Community Shares is a unique charitable organization dedicated to building a strong, inclusive, peaceful and healthy community. We do this by raising crucial funds for 41 local community groups which focus on developing strong and resilient children, creating bridges to support vulnerable populations, empowering women to reach their full potential for themselves and their families, and providing basic necessities to West Islanders in need.