Thousands of people marched through Montreal Thursday to launch Centraide's annual fundrising campaign.
The March of 1,000 Umbrellas is the beginning of a three-month campaign to raise more than $55 million.
The umbrellas are symbolic of the work the charity group does in funding other charities based on need.
Executive Director Lili-Anne Peresa said Centraide helps about 350 community organizations, charities and agencies in Montreal, Laval, and the South Shore.
"Where we focus most of our money, most of our energy, is toward youth success. We invest in 162 agencies and projects that work with children and young people," said Peresa.
This year Centraide is trying to get more youth helping youth with a program called Generation C.
Similar to other groups, such as the We Movement that organizes We Day to reward young community leaders, Centraide has come up with a way to reward young people for their charitable behaviour.
Among the rewards for donors are attending the tapings of TV shows and concerts, and the chance to have a VIP experience to New Year's Eve celebrations at the Old Port.
About one in six people in greater Montreal lives below the poverty line, and many of them will benefit from charities this year.
Sahar Samandrin moved to Montreal from Iran, and found adapting to the city and meeting people through the organization called Baobab Familial.
"When I received in Montreal I was alone without any help of my family and mother-in-law. When I received here I think I'm alone then I go, when I go to Baobab Familial I find that I am not alone," said Samandrin.
Last year Centraide collected $54,275,000 in donations from more than 100,00 people, with most donations coming from people donating at the office or through paycheque deductions.
The umbrella group estimates those tens of millions went to help 500,000 people in and around Montreal.
Centraide spends 15 percent of its budget on seeking donors, administration expenses, and communication.
It will announce the results of the 2016 campaign on February 7.
