More than 70 years after its founding, Sun Youth reached a historic milestone on June 16, with the official opening of its new 40,000-square-foot net-zero community center. Ownership of its building marks one of the most significant milestones in the organization’s history, ensuring long-term stability and growth for generations to come. Friends, donors and partners gathered for a celebratory morning to mark the completion of this ambitious project and the beginning of a new chapter for Sun Youth.
Guests toured the new facility alongside Sun Youth employees, who proudly showcased the organization’s programs and services.
“After 70 years as a tenant, having a permanent home of our own allows us to put down roots, plan for the long term and free ourselves from the uncertainty of leased space. Sun Youth is proud to bring its services together under one roof for the benefit of Greater Montréal and to open its doors to community organizations in the neighbourhood,” said Marina Boulos-Winton, Executive Director of Sun Youth.
Mirella and Nadia Saputo eagerly listening to Fenia Jeudy’s explanation of Sun Youth’s Emergency Services for victims of crimes, families with sick children, and fire victims. JULIAN HABER
The celebration then continued in the gymnasium, where a series of heartfelt speeches highlighted the significance of the occasion.
“Supporting organizations that make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families is at the heart of our mission. For more than 70 years, Sun Youth has been doing exactly that by providing essential support while creating opportunities for young people to thrive. We are proud to contribute to this new community home, which will enable the organization to continue and expand its impact across Greater Montréal,” said Mirella Saputo, President of the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation.
“I was about 15 years old when I read an article in The Gazette about Sid Stevens and the work Sun Youth was doing, and I decided to organize a food drive at my high school. I was so excited to bring all of this food to Sun Youth and particularly excited to meet with Sid Stevens. He was so gracious. Looking back, it really inspired further community service and eventually running for office.
It was not only an honor, but really a privilege for me to bring home a check of about $11 million to support this incredible new construction,” said Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont.
The Honorable Rachel Bendayan made a very touching testimonial on how Sun Youth’s Sid Stevens was an inspiration for pursuing a career in public service.
A $36-million project driven by an extraordinary vision and community support
Sun Youth’s new permanent home is the result of a vision grounded in solidarity and hope. The $36.5-million project was financed through a unique combination of private philanthropy, which contributed $18.1-million, a $10.8-million federal grant tied to the building’s net-zero ambitions, and mortgage financing. The federal contribution, accessible to very few charitable organizations and requiring authorization from the Government of Québec, served as a critical catalyst for the project.
More than 1,000 Montréal donors supported the fundraising campaign. Major contributors include the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation, the R. Howard Webster Foundation, The Rossy Foundation, the Hewitt Foundation, the Fondation Famille Mongeau and CN. In recognition of the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation’s exceptional contribution to the campaign, the building will be named the Mirella and Lino Saputo Building.
Annie Marcou, National Procurement Director at Métro, a proud supporter of Sun Youth’s food bank and community kitchen. JULIAN HABER
Baptiste Creteur and Lauren Pochereva (The Rossy Foundation), Megan Batty (the McConnell Foundation), Stefanie Butt, Nadia and Mirella Saputo, and Marina Boulos-Winton listening intently to speeches. JULIAN HABER
For a charitable organization such as Sun Youth, becoming the owner of a $36.5-million building completed in just 16 months meant assuming many of the same risks as a private developer, without access to the same financial tools or support mechanisms. The organization benefited from specialized expertise in construction and financial planning, resulting in an exceptional net-zero facility featuring technical choices designed to maximize social impact, including engineered wood sourced in Québec, geothermal energy, rainwater recovery systems and recycled brick. The project stands as a testament to Québec expertise, sustainable innovation and Sun Youth’s determination to build for future generations.
JULIAN HABER
Sun Youth was delighted and deeply proud to bring together its valued partners in such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The organization extends its sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this event and, above all, to the donors, volunteers, employees and community partners whose support helped transform this vision into reality.
“The response from Montréal’s philanthropic community and donors has been extraordinary. It reflects not only a deep attachment to Sun Youth, but also enduring confidence in the organization’s ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families,” said fundraising campaign co-chairs Lucy Riddell and Claude Mongeau.
Olivier Chouc, Senior Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer signing a basketball in the new CN Gymnasium. JULIAN HABER
