About us
Les Amis du CCFM support the cultural, social, and community mission of the Centre culturel franco-manitobain.
Through various activities, Les Amis du CCFM strive to bring to life and promote francophone culture in Manitoba.
Lovers of culture, become its Ami as well.
Mission
The goals pursued by Les Amis du CCFM:
- Raise awareness of and promote the CCFM.
- Provide support to CCFM by sponsoring projects, fundraising to support CCFM activities, and contributing volunteer services to assist the CCFM.
- Organize special events and activities in line with the themes and goals of the CCFM.
- Contribute funds to “recognized donees” as defined in paragraph 149.1(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
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The Centre culturel franco-manitobain holds a central place in the cultural life of the community. As a cultural hub, it offers various artistic, educational, and social activities aimed at promoting the richness of Francophone culture in Manitoba. However, to ensure the sustainability of its initiatives and expand its impact, the CCFM must address growing financial needs.
In response to this context, Les Amis du CCFM have taken the initiative to establish an endowment fund. This fund was created to support the cultural, social, and community mission of the CCFM. In addition to raising public awareness of these issues, the fund’s mission is to provide concrete support to the CCFM.
Les Amis du CCFM have established this endowment fund in partnership with Francofonds, an organization recognized for its expertise in the field. This strategic collaboration aims to ensure professional and transparent financial management of the funds collected. All contributions, whether from individuals, businesses, or other organizations, will be channeled through Francofonds.
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The Endowment Fund, Les Amis du CCFM, warmly invites you to participate in the preservation and enrichment of our Francophone heritage. As part of this initiative, we have launched a fundraising campaign. The first phase of this campaign takes place from November 20 to December 31, 2023, relying on your financial generosity to lay the foundations of our project. Subsequently, additional campaigns will be introduced each year.
Long-term fundraising goal: Our ambition is to mobilize significant resources over the coming years through our new endowment fund, to crucially support the artistic, educational, and cultural programs of the CCFM.
Initial fundraising goal: The first step is to match the $25,000 offered by the Forest family, aiming to reach an initial goal of $50,000 by December 31, 2023.
Why invest? Your donation goes beyond its financial dimension: it constitutes an essential act of cultural preservation. By supporting us, you actively contribute to preserving our language, fostering the development of our artists, ensuring the education of our youth, and maintaining the vitality of our community.
Les Amis du CCFM Endowment Fund was established through an initial donation of $25,000 from Mr. Gabriel Forest, on behalf of his late wife, Marcelle Forest. Both were longtime donors to Francofonds and passionate advocates for Franco-Manitoban culture and heritage. This generous contribution also acknowledges Marcelle as the first woman to have chaired the Board of Directors of the CCFM from 1983 to 1988, a distinction she held as the sole woman until 2022. For this inaugural fundraising campaign, we have the privilege of naming Marcelle Forest as the honorary chair, in recognition of her outstanding support and remarkable investment in the CCFM.
Born on August 6, 1927, in Saint-Boniface, Marcelle grew up in the heart of Saint-Boniface. Her passion for her Franco-Manitoban culture and heritage led her to actively engage in the community throughout her adult life, serving on numerous boards and committees.
Marcelle also played a crucial role in major fundraising campaigns within the community. In recognition of her volunteer commitment, she received the Certificate of Merit from the provincial premier for volunteer service in 1989 and 1993, as well as the 1999 Riel Award in the arts and culture sector. Furthermore, she was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Marcelle and Gaby were also recipients of the Certificate of Merit from the Compagnie des Cents Associés Francophones, recognizing their exceptional generosity to the Francophone community, a generosity that is acknowledged and deeply appreciated.”
Marcelle Forest
Our achievements
Thanks to the funds raised through its activities and the donations received, Les Amis du CCFM contribute to the realization of major projects at the Centre culturel franco-manitobain.
Team
President: Rénald Rémillard
Vice President: Réal Curé
Secretary: Michelle Gervais
Advisor: Sophie Dumontier
Advisor: Louis St-Cyr
Advisor: Daniel Boucher
Executive Director: Ginette Lavack
Volunteers
Since their foundation, Les Amis du CCFM have always been able to rely on the dedication of their members to support the Centre culturel franco-manitobain in fulfilling its cultural mission.
Volunteer assistance can address long-term or occasional needs: special events, ticket sales, signage, etc.
Interested in getting involved? Contact us, and we can share our needs with you!