Corporate social responsibility

Spotlight on the environment

Les Amis de la montagne, Montreal

Les Amis de la montagne (Friends of the mountain) advocates for the protection, preservation and improvement of Mount Royal. They also help mobilize the Montreal community to safeguard the Mount Royal park, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2001. Frederick Law Olmsted, architect of well-known landmarks such as Central Park New York, created the vision of Mount Royal’s park by emphasizing the area’s mountainous topography. Founded in 1986, Les Amis works to preserve this vision and the mountain’s historic significance. This organization holds a special significance to CGI, which is headquartered in Montreal.

“CGI is honored to help Les Amis de la montagne through volunteerism and financial contributions,” says Circé Labelle, Senior Consultant, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs and a member of the Tuques Bleues’ Steering Committee. “Through our active involvement, we help promote a higher understanding of the natural beauty and characteristics of the mountain while contributing to its preservation and restoration.”

In February 2007, CGI once again participated in Les Amis’ annual fundraising event, the Tuques Bleues Celebration and Snowshoe Event (some of CGI’s participants are shown at left). As one of 45 corporate teams that participated, CGI had 30 members from its Montreal offices on hand to help raise awareness and funds to protect, conserve and promote Mount Royal. Many of these members volunteered while others participated in the snowshoe race, of which many came in the top tier. Gilbert Lafortune, a CGI member and one of the top 15 winners cites: “Our participation in this competition is an opportunity to give back to the mountain what it offers us year round—the ability to enjoy this quiet, clean and enchanting place. I am honored be part of an event that raises money for the mountain.”

CGI also participates each year in a spring cleaning event that includes planting trees and other vegetation. Regular participation in these events, and our continuous and long-term commitment to this organization, is an example of CGI’s dedication to preserve and improve the environment within the communities in which CGI operates.