Guy Laliberté, a renowned philanthropist and Montreal native, has generously pledged to donate a parcel of land valued at $5 million to the city, earmarked for the creation of a public nature reserve for the enjoyment of all residents. The land, comprising an expanse equivalent to over three football fields, consists predominantly of forested areas. This generous donation was made to the municipality of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, underscoring a commitment to preserving the natural environment of the city. As per reports, the donated land must only be used for park purposes for the general public.
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, an off-island suburb located on the south bank of the Saint Lawrence River in southwestern Quebec, has warmly received this gesture. Ludovic Grisé Farand, the mayor of Saint-Bruno, expressed his gratitude to Laliberté for his willingness to transfer this remarkable wooded area to the city at no cost, recognizing the significant value it brings to the community.
Guy Laliberté, widely known as the founder of Cirque du Soleil, One Drop Foundation and Lune Rouge Entertainment, has played a pivotal role in the entertainment and philanthropic sectors. Cirque du Soleil, a globally renowned entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer, is based in Montreal, Canada. In 2015, Laliberté sold a 90% stake in the company for $1.5 billion.
The One Drop Foundation, established by Laliberté in 2007, is a global non-profit organization headquartered in Montreal. It is dedicated to providing sustainable access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions for communities worldwide, significantly impacting global water issues.
In a statement to Le Journal de Montreal, Laliberté shared his personal connection to the land: “It is with great pleasure that I offer this land to the City of Saint-Bruno, the city where I grew up and where I still live. I have been going to the park since my childhood and that is why I was quick to accept the City’s proposal when they offered to make this space a protected place that all residents could enjoy.” This donation not only reflects Laliberté’s deep-rooted connection to Saint-Bruno but also his commitment to enhancing public spaces and the environment.
Source: Tudo do Bem
