Fundraising Success for Laurentians Youth
Nearly 410 National Bank employees, retirees, and volunteers gathered in the Laurentians from July 2 to 5, 2026, for the 14th edition of the NB Grand Tour. The charity sports event raised $300,000 to support 14 youth organizations in the region and the Youth in Mind Foundation, which focuses on preventing psychological distress among young people aged 11 to 18.
Impact and History
Since its inception, the NB Grand Tour has donated over $2.25 million to approximately 100 organizations. This year's edition marks another milestone in the event's history of supporting community causes through cycling, walking, and running activities.
“The dedication of National Bank’s employees, retirees, and volunteers who take part in the NB Grand Tour never ceases to impress us,” stated Lucie Blanchet, Honorary Chair of the NB Grand Tour and strategic advisor to management, and Danny Déry, Chair of the Organizing Committee and Vice-President – Procurement Ecosystem at National Bank. “It’s a privilege to see them come together once again for this 14th edition. This initiative is much more than a cycling or running challenge; it’s a true movement of solidarity that brings good wherever it goes.”
Community Support and Beneficiaries
The funds raised will be distributed to 15 organizations, including the Youth in Mind Foundation, Centre Oméga, Fondation autisme Laurentides, Fondation du Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, Fondation de l’Hôpital régional de Saint-Jérôme, Maison des Jeunes Sodarrid, Goldie Equestrian Project, Cyclo Nord-Sud, La Maison d’Ariane, Fondation Jeunesse des Laurentides, La maison des parents d’enfants handicapés des Laurentides, Laurentides Intersection, Persévérons Ensemble, Fondation Jeunesse Sportive des Laurentides, and Centre d’évaluation et de traitement des agressions sexuelles.
“We are proud to host the NB Grand Tour in the Laurentians this year,” said Martin Guénette, Regional Vice-President – Laurentians at National Bank. “The Bank is committed to supporting the communities it serves, and this event is a great example of our dedication. Thanks to the engagement of hundreds of participants and volunteers, youth organizations in the region will benefit from meaningful support.”
Focus on Mental Health
Mélanie Boucher, executive director of the Youth in Mind Foundation, highlighted the importance of the event: “One in three young people show symptoms of psychological distress. Behind this statistic are thousands of adolescents facing very real challenges, reminding us just how essential it is to take action. Since 2015, the extraordinary commitment of NB Grand Tour participants has helped raise awareness among more than 12,800 young people, giving them the tools they need to recognize their emotions, talk about them openly, and understand that they don’t have to face their problems alone. Every dollar invested in prevention represents a concrete step toward building a healthier, more resilient and more compassionate future for our society as a whole.”
The NB Grand Tour organizing committee also thanked the Externat Sacré-Cœur de Rosemère for their hospitality and collaboration in making the event possible.
