------------------------------------------------------------------------
| THE MONTREAL GREEK TIMES GOPHER NEWS SERVICE |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
August 2025
Professor donates to HCGM endowment and tuition relief
(GIF) article photo
By Dimitri Papadopoulos
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Community
of Greater Montreal (HCGM) was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 7:00
p.m., in the “Mikri Vouli” room at the Community’s head office on
Wilderton Avenue. The meeting included discussion of 23 agenda items
previously circulated to board members.
The session began with a verification of quorum and an opening prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved with a correction to
the date. The meeting proceeded with the Chairman’s report.
In the financial update, a detailed report was given on the status of
the Community’s credit line with the bank. The new administration
submitted all required financial documentation within the deadlines
requested by the bank. The request concerned a temporary increase in the
line of credit to $750,000 until August 16, to be reduced to $300,000 by
the end of September. This amount was deemed necessary to meet salary
and operational commitments during the summer.
The bank approved the request, restoring the Community’s financial file
to standard standing. It was also noted that the Ministry of Education
was expected to issue a grant of $511,000, with additional income
anticipated from tuition and other subsidies. While the increased credit
implies higher interest and borrowing costs, the administration stated
its objective to reduce the operating deficit during the 2025–2026
fiscal year, aiming to balance the budget the following year.
A detailed assessment was presented regarding the condition of the roof
of the Grande Salle. A technical inspection concluded that the existing
roof structure did not meet specifications outlined in the original
construction contract, as the old insulation was not removed. Moisture
was found to have accumulated, with total repair costs estimated at
approximately two million dollars. A formal notice has been sent to the
construction company, and investigations are underway to determine
potential insurance coverage and any oversight by the engineering firm
that supervised the original work.
The Board was also informed of plans to submit a grant application under
the “Programme d’Aide Financière aux Infrastructures Jeunesse.” The
proposal involves renovating the Grande Salle. The project meets key
eligibility criteria, including non-religious use and primary benefit to
youth aged 15 to 29. The proposed renovation aligns with four objectives
from the provincial “Plan d’Action Jeunesse”: Health, Education,
Culture, and Employment. If approved, the grant would cover up to 90% of
the cost, with a maximum of $300,000. The application is scheduled for
submission by the September 18 deadline.
The renewal of insurance policies covering the Community’s real estate
assets was approved. The total premium amounts to $513,000, plus
applicable taxes. A tax exemption on premiums for church-related
properties is under review, with the potential to reclaim past
overpayments if eligibility is confirmed.
The Board authorized the reservation of the reception hall for the 2026
school graduation ceremony. The event is expected to generate net
revenue rather than expenses.
A revision to the recently announced tuition increase was also
presented. Following the partial reinstatement of government subsidies,
the tuition increase for the 2025–2026 school year was reduced by $108
per student. Although the government funding specifically applies to
kindergarten and elementary levels, the adjustment will be applied
uniformly across all school levels to maintain equity.
An update was given on the membership renewal campaign. Over the
previous three weeks, approximately 1,362 phone calls were made to
individuals with expired memberships. As a result, 208 members
expressed an intention to renew.
The meeting also included the announcement of a new collaborative
fundraising effort. The HCGM’s Fundraising Committee and the Socrates
Educational Foundation will co-organize a joint event aimed at
supporting school infrastructure and student financial assistance.
A philanthropic donation was acknowledged during the meeting. Retired
professor Paris Arnopoulos contributed $50,000 to the Community’s
Endowment Fund, along with an additional $10,000 earmarked for student
tuition support. Professor Arnopoulos has been a member of the community
since 1948 and served for many years at Concordia University.
Details were shared regarding an upcoming concert honoring composer
Mikis Theodorakis. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra will perform the
tribute on August 16, 2025, at Place des Arts. An additional outdoor
concert will take place on August 13 at the Olympic Park. Tickets have
been made available through both the Community and the Hellenic
Congress of Quebec. A follow-up musical event is planned for November,
featuring popular Greek songs.
During the public question period, concerns were raised regarding
maintenance issues in community housing units, technical
infrastructure, and other logistical matters. A separate green
initiative was presented concerning the Socrates School in Laval. The
project includes the removal of 213 square meters of asphalt and the
planting of 15 trees. It is funded 78% by the City of Laval through the
Canopée program, with the remaining 22% provided by the Parent
Committee through its own fundraising.
A final matter concerned the existence of a forensic audit report by the
firm MNP. Mr. Ilias Hondronicolas asked for a copy of the audit, which
he stated had been commissioned by the previous administration. During
the meeting, the President of the HCGM stated that no such report
exists. This position was reiterated in an August 6 email to former
Audit Committee member John Moukas, in which the President clarified
that although MNP had been retained to provide advisory services, no
final audit report had been issued or delivered to the HCGM Board or
Executive Committee. An invoice confirms that professional services were
rendered by MNP, but no documentation or audit summary was produced.
The meeting concluded with confirmation of the next session, scheduled
for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(DIR) [Back to Headlines]
(DIR) [Article Archive]
(DIR) [Home]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Web: https://www.greektimes.ca
BBS: telnet://bbs.greektimes.ca
Gopher: gopher://gopher.greektimes.ca
Gemini: gemini://gemini.greektimes.ca
Web 1.0 for retro computers: http://retro.greektimes.ca
Community news via Finger: finger news@finger.greektimes.ca
Weather briefing via Finger: finger weather@finger.greektimes.ca
Onion: http://pdfjsjif5kr3ppaxzgukdtkqsfqvku3rzpumbyfa5oaw65iyuzhip3ad.onion