William Dale
Published online April 8, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
CAMPBELL’S BAY – The community showed up in a big way April 1 at the Campbell’s Bay RA Centre for the 4th annual MRC Pontiac fundraising breakfast, raising nearly $14,000 in support of Centraide Outaouais.
Centraide Outaouais is a regional organization that funds community groups working to reduce poverty and social exclusion. In the Pontiac, it distributes approximately $220,000 annually to local organizations providing food security, youth services and family support.
Warden Jane Toller, joined by Centraide 2025–2026 campaign chair Daniel Morneau and communications director Émilie Gorin-Denois, presented a ceremonial cheque for $9,765, representing funds raised through recent municipal and community initiatives.
An additional $4,132 was raised through a silent auction held during the recent Lumberjack Dinner, bringing the total community-led contribution to $13,897.
Toller credited the strong turnout to former MRC communications officer Francis Beausoleil, who led efforts to secure corporate sponsorships. “There is one person who deserves so much credit for today,” she said. “His name is Francis Beausoleil… he really sought the sponsorships, and he deserves all the credit for the amount you’re going to see today.”
Among the key supporters was Philip Kompass, director of corporate communications for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the event’s lead sponsor. CNL contributed on behalf of the laboratory and its management partners.
“It’s a nice opportunity at the breakfast today to connect with people from Pontiac,” Kompass said. “We know that you’re one of our closest neighbours and we want to build a better relationship with the community. This breakfast is a small way we can do that.”
The money raised stays in the region, supporting seven Pontiac organizations: Bouffe Pontiac, Centre Serge Bélaire, Comptoir St-Pierre, Jardin Éducatif, La Maison de la famille, La Maison des jeunes and Le Patro.
Photo – Jane Toller, Jon Stewart, Sophie Chatel, Daniel Morneau, Émilie Gorin-Denois, François Carrier and Julie Jones hold a ceremonial cheque during the MRC’s Centraide fundraiser in Campbell’s Bay April 1. (WD)