While Desjardins is a leader in the Canadian banking sector, we are also proud of our leadership in local communities. Desjardins is a unique institution, where money is at the service of people, not the other way around.

As Desjardins believes in the importance of giving back to the community, we are actively involved in the communities where our clients live. Desjardins supports business people, individuals and students as they pursue their goals. In 2007 alone, Desjardins gave back to communities more than $408 million in patronage allocations along with $71.7 million in sponsorships, donations and scholarships. In the past few years, nearly $2 billion has been allocated to support regional economic growth.

Social and economic development is supported by a large portion of Desjardins surplus earnings, which are invested in people, communities and the arts. In addition to being a partner of Tennis Canada and supporting the Montréal Canadiens hockey team, Desjardins is also a long-term sponsor of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil.

At a time when no other bank would approve financing, Desjardins was the only institution to help the Cirque du Soleil create the solid financial base they needed to pave the way to global success. An approach that is all part of Desjardins' commitment to helping all businesses succeed - regardless of their size.

To contribute to the future of all children, Desjardins is the largest private scholarship fund in Québec, allocating more than $12 million to support the education of more than 8,700 young people. As part of the Immigrant Investor Scholarship program, Desjardins also awards bursaries totalling $22,500 to immigrant investors and their families.

Desjardins is proud to play an active role in the life of our clients from all cultural communities, and to join you in contributing to social development. Desjardins’ commitment to leadership, honesty and social responsibility make us unique in Canada - and an excellent choice for fulfilling the unique needs of all Canadians.