August 5, 2021 | Quebec

The Centre de pédiatrie sociale Laval is a non-profit organization that offers an array of activities to the children of Chomedey, Laval-des-Rapides and Pont-Viau. Its mission is to contribute to the overall development of children and adolescents living in underserved areas who have development, socialization or health problems.

Having known the organization for several years, it was with great enthusiasm that Saul Polo, Member of the National Assembly of Quebec for the electoral district of Laval-des-Rapides, recommended the Centre de pédiatrie sociale Laval to the team of CDI College ambassadors when they reached out to him earlier this year, with the goal of enhancing CDI College’s presence in Laval.

"It is very important for the employees and students of CDI College at the Laval campus to be an integral part of their community,” said Lara Bachaalani, Regional Director of Operations for CDI College. "At CDI College, we are keen on working with all stakeholders in the community and we are doing this more than ever in 2021."

It was with this in mind that a partnership between the two entities materialized during a ceremony held on July 27. "I am pleased to see this partnership between CDI College and the Centre de pédiatrie sociale Laval take shape today," said Mr. Polo. "All the children and adolescents of Laval will greatly benefit from it."

During the ceremony, a $5,000 cheque was presented to Mylène Du Bois, Executive Director of the Centre de pédiatrie sociale Laval. "We are delighted to have this financial support from CDI College," she said. "This donation will help us shorten our waiting lists and allow us to offer more services to children in vulnerable situations.”

For CDI College, this is an excellent opportunity to highlight the role and importance of education in society in general, and in the Laval community in particular.

"Most of the children we work with don't plan on pursuing post-secondary education," said Ms. Du Bois. "Particularly some of the girls who don't see the point of studying or working, especially if they plan on getting married later."

As part of this partnership, female instructors, students and graduates of CDI College will be able to share their experience with these young girls and, with a little luck, plant the seeds that will help change their lives forever.

Click here for a glimpse of the cheque presentation ceremony.