FL should be the launching pad for more than a career in business – it should also serve as the incubator for people to serve their communities. Whether it is philanthropy, community service or leading our youth into the future, part of our success as a Firm rides on the community involvement of those we mentor.
Each year, CPA regional chapters recognize people in four categories: Recruit, Émergence, Émérite and Volunteer – a CPA who has distinguished himself or herself through their volunteer work for an NPO or a charitable organization.
This year, the Montreal CPA chapter agreed that Matthew Chaussé has been going above and beyond the duties of the profession, lending a hand to several organisations, in addition to taking an active part in several fundraising activities.
His impressive community involvement includes being the treasurer of the Habilitas (formerly MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre), an organization committed to maximizing clients’ autonomy and community participation in order to improve their quality of life. As a “2nd Line” health care facility, The Centre’s clients include children and youth with motor impairments or communication disorders, and persons of all ages who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing or who have a visual impairment.
Matthew is also a founding member of the Antony Proteau Fund – a foundation named to honor a close friend who passed away from cancer in 2010. Starting in 2012, as co-founder and board member, Matthew dedicates a lot of his time to coordinating activities that have raised over $500,000 to date. What started off in 2012 as a modest fund-raising event to honor their friend, has grown substantially, attracting dozens of volunteers and a growing number of sponsors.
Matthew and a few close friends started the fund in Antony’s name to give back to the local community, by supporting activities that were close to Anthony’s heart – the NDG Minor Hockey Association & the Jewish General’s Hope and Cope.
The NDG Minor Hockey Association supports families in financial need whose children want to play hockey by paying for registration fees and/or a player’s equipment. Time in an arena is definitely something Anthony could relate to!
Proceeds donated to Hope and Cope, a cancer support organization at the Jewish General Hospital, recognize that a family’s non-medical expenses can be quite daunting. Over the years, this fund has raised awareness and helped contribute to the reduction of these non-medical costs.
Matthew’s philanthropic energy, compassion and generosity is a great example to young professionals looking to make the world they live in a better place. His non-profit leadership is inspirational to us all.
