PMT ROY established its own foundation in January 2018. Can you explain why?
The PMT ROY Foundation is very young! However, our company’s commitment to the community goes back much further. Our firm has been around since 1927 and has always supported charities. By creating a philanthropic structure, we wanted to perpetuate the desire of PMT ROY’s founders to give back to the community. It’s also a way to ensure that our charitable activities are transparent.
What is the Foundation’s mission? What sectors does it focus on?
We have chosen to financially support a very wide range of organizations working for youth, education or health. The Foundation operates in all the regions where we provide our services—on the Magdalen Islands as well as in Quebec City or Montreal. The main donor is, of course, the company, PMT ROY, which donates an amount to the Foundation at the beginning of every year. Thanks to the cooperation of our employees, we regularly organize fundraising activities—a golf tournament or benefit show—to increase this amount.
We have chosen to financially support a very wide range of organizations working for youth, education or health.
Although it’s still a young organization, the PMT ROY Foundation has already helped many projects. What is its record so far?
In its early days, the Foundation was naturally not well-known. We made an enormous effort of communication to spread the word, especially on social media. Word-of-mouth also helped. As a result, more organizations began to submit projects. In 2018, we provided around $40,000 in financial assistance to a total of 34 organizations. In 2019, we’re well on our way to reaching the threshold of 50 recipient organizations, with total donations of more than $60,000. That’s a source of tremendous pride for us.
In 2019, we’re well on our way to reaching the threshold of 50 recipient organizations, with total donations of more than $60,000.
Is there one among the many organizations you’ve supported that is particularly close to your heart?
There are so many that it’s difficult for me to name just one. All are doing a remarkable job. When we’re invited to hand over the cheque, we always find it an emotionally intense experience. By going out into the community, we meet people who give generously of their time for a cause. We see concretely how necessary their involvement is.
Do you have any examples of projects supported by the Foundation?
For instance, we’ve provided financial support to the Dr. Clown Foundation. We had the privilege of going with them on a visit to sick children at the university hospital in Quebec City. It was very moving to see the smiles on the children’s faces! The visits help them briefly forget how much time they spend away from their families.
We have also supported such as the École oraliste, a school in Quebec City for children with hearing or language difficulties. Previously the students had only an asphalt playground. Our contribution helped build a natural grass playground just for them. For the children, that makes a huge difference.
Outside of the Foundation, are PMT ROY and its employees involved in their community?
Yes, PMT ROY has been involved in the community for a long time, and its employees personally do so by fundraising for United Way. Last year, we collectively donated more than $50,000 to it. Also, many of our employees volunteer outside the office. The company supports them by freeing up a few hours of work a year to do this.
Investing in good causes is part of our firm’s DNA. Our brokers share this value of community engagement, and are just there to listen. If you care about a particular charitable project, visit our PMT ROY Foundation website and fill out the online form. Who knows, your organization may be the next to receive a donation from our Foundation!