In a new article posted by Finance et Investissement, André Prud’Homme [pictured above next to Pierre and Chuck], the current Vice-President and Investment Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities (RBC – Royal Bank of Canada), talks about his involvment with the Simple Plan Foundation, in which he is the president of the board of directors. Check out the translated excerpt from the article:
His involvement began six years ago, when he was approached by five members of the popular band from Quebec – Simple Plan (Pierre Bouvier, Sébastien Lefebvre, Jeff Stinco, David Desrosiers and Chuck Comeau) to direct the foundation they wanted to develop. Since the start of the Simple Plan Foundation, it has raised more than $1.25 million through its annual benefit concerts and voluntary donations.
Inspired by the many letters from fans, the musicians wanted to contribute to causes involving children and teenagers in Quebec, such as bullying, dropping out of school, substance abuse, etc.
“I accepted their proposal immediately,” said André Prud’homme, as he had previously decided in 2002 that his philanthropic contribution would focus on the youth.
André Prud’homme also believes that the combination of a financial institution like the Royal Bank is invaluable to the charity.
“The bank will be able to donate size as $50,000. Fifty thousand for the Simple Plan Foundation makes annual fundraising of nearly $200,000, it’s huge!” The advisor mentioned that the involvement is contagious and working at RBC also able to increase the size of the donor network even within the company .
“Do not criticize either the people who make only a check. A check is better than nothing. It is not because some people are more involved that we must judge others, ” he said. He mentions, however, that his contribution and that of the members of Simple Plan are not just financial.
“For guys Simple Plan is much more than that. They know each organization intimately. It is them who push us to do more. They keep us active,” says André Prud’homme.