An Extraordinary $1 Million Donation from the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation for Pointe-à-Callière’s Major Fundraising Campaign

For immediate release

Ancienne-Douane – J. Armand Bombardier Foundation Building
The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation is delighted to help the Museum flourish and grow, and to recognize the importance of this new partnership by linking its name with the Ancienne-Douane building, dedicated entirely to young visitors and families. The Ancienne-Douane – J. Armand Bombardier Foundation Building houses the all-new Pirates or Privateers? interactive exhibition, educational and cultural workshops and the Saputo Lunch Room.

“The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation is pleased to support Pointe-à-Callière’s development. The Museum contributes to the cultural growth of young people, families and all visitors, by ensuring that they come away with not only more knowledge but also a greater appreciation of history and archaeology. We are very enthused to launch this new partnership and very proud to have our name linked with this historic space, with its dynamic and interactive content,” said Nicole Beaudoin, Executive President and Treasurer of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation.

“Right from the start, Pointe-à-Callière has placed an emphasis on a wide range of innovative activities and school programs for young visitors and families. The support of many partners is essential for the Museum’s development, and the backing of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation is a tremendous asset. It also encourages us to pursue the work of sharing knowledge, discovering the past and learning about local roots,” explained Francine Lelièvre, Executive Director of the Museum.

The Ancienne-Douane – J. Armand Bombardier Foundation Building
The Custom House (now the Ancienne-Douane, “old Custom House”), built between 1836 and 1838, was designed by John Ostell, one of Montréal's leading architects at the time. Located in the old marketplace, facing the River, the neoclassical, Palladian-style building has an elegant façade adorned with pilasters and a wide pediment. It proclaimed Montréal's commercial vitality and the city’s new role.

About the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation
The J. Armand Bombardier Foundation, established in 1965, has the mission to perpetuate the humanitarian work of Joseph-Armand Bombardier and contribute to fulfilling the social mandate of the company he founded in 1942. The Foundation is active in four key areas: education, community support, healthcare and arts and culture. Culturally, the Foundation also plays a very important role through the J. Armand Bombardier Museum and the Yvonne L. Bombardier Cultural Centre, located in Valcourt, Quebec.

About the Pointe-à-Callière Foundation
The Pointe-à-Callière Foundation, created in 1993, supports the work and growth of Pointe-à-Callière, the Montréal Archaeology and History Complex. Right from the very beginning, it has contributed to all the major projects carried out by Pointe-à-Callière. The Foundation is currently conducting its first major fundraising campaign, with a goal of $10 million. The campaign will support the work of the Pointe-à-Callière Foundation and the Museum’s plans, by helping to leverage the development of the Montréal Archaeology and History Complex. The objective of this initiative is to preserve the last major historic sites in Old Montréal and make them accessible to visitors. At present, the Museum welcomes some 400,000 visitors every year, including about 100,000 young people. Once the Complex is completed, over half a million visitors will be able to learn more about our city’s past as they stand on the very spot where Maisonneuve and Jeanne-Mance founded Montréal. The campaign and project teams have already raised just over $7 million.