On June 17, the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal (VBM) held its Annual General Meeting in a warm and dynamic atmosphere, both in person and online.
This annual gathering is always a key moment in the life of VBM. It’s a time to take stock of the past year, present the priorities for the months ahead, and come together to celebrate the ongoing work that fuels volunteer engagement in Montreal.
A Meeting Marked by Resilience and Innovation
President Ugo Dionne opened the meeting by highlighting the successful move into our new offices, designed to better welcome volunteers and staff.
Although this move was neither planned nor desired, it became a necessary decision to protect the health and safety of our staff and service users. Thanks to the exceptional mobilization of the team, the transition was carried out without any service interruption, allowing VBM to continue its mission seamlessly.
This new space, both welcoming and professional, reflects a VBM in motion—deeply rooted in its neighbourhood and its time.
Executive Director Geneviève Fecteau then took the floor to acknowledge her team’s extraordinary commitment. She emphasized how they rose to the many challenges brought on by organizational changes and a significant staff transition.
Almost every current team member joined in recent months, yet each one quickly stepped up and contributed to the success and growth of ongoing projects.
She shared that her greatest pride this year lies in the strong and positive team dynamic that has emerged, a spirit of collaboration, mutual support, and cohesion that has allowed the organization to keep moving forward despite all the changes.
She reminded everyone that the AGM is a special opportunity to “tell the story and celebrate the path taken.”
An Annual Report Focused on the Future
The 2024–2025 Annual Report, titled Embracing Change, Nurturing Movement, was presented by various team members. It reflects a living, evolving organization—one that remains focused on people and its role as a catalyst for volunteer engagement.
Some of the year’s key highlights include:
- Over 5,000 volunteer registrations, with more than 70% successfully matched with opportunities;
- Nearly 300 people reached through training activities, with clear plans to expand access and bilingual delivery;
- A 75% increase in website traffic, driven by stronger communications and outreach;
- More than 1,000 volunteer postings processed, including tailored support for more complex recruitment needs;
- A strategic repositioning of the corporate volunteering program, emphasizing corporate membership and the development of specialized tools.
A Stable and Committed Board of Directors
The AGM also provided an opportunity to adopt the 2024–2025 audited financial statements, renew the APSV audit firm, and proceed with the election of board members.
Three outgoing board members were re-elected: Ugo Dionne, Vicky Gagnon, and Claude Noiseux. Mehdi Hafa was elected for the first time. A heartfelt tribute was paid to Michel René, who stepped down after four years of dedicated service, particularly through his active participation on several committees.
Looking Ahead to 2025–2026: Continuity and Ambition
The strategic priorities for 2025–2026, presented at the AGM, reflect a continuation of VBM’s 2022–2025 strategic plan. They reaffirm the organization’s intention to:
- Further integrate services, grounded in equity, diversity, inclusion, and collective well-being;
- Strengthen its role as a driver of social change, through partnerships and a people-centered approach;
- Diversify funding sources, to ensure long-term sustainability.
The meeting concluded on an inspiring note with the launch of VBM’s new website, designed to better serve volunteers, nonprofit partners, and the broader community.
The site was developed in collaboration with the Riposte agency, whose entire project team was present for the launch and stayed for the post-AGM cocktail to meet VBM members and celebrate this milestone moment.
