MONTREAL, Nov. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - The president of Epiderma, Mr. Pierre Montminy, has announced today the creation of the Epiderma Foundation, a philanthropic initiative to help women in difficult circumstances.

The Epiderma Foundation will focus on direct and specific actions to support local non-profit organizations dedicated to helping women improve their condition. To that end, it pledges to award a minimum of $100 000 per year to be distributed to select charitable organizations, as determined by its board of directors.

As of today, Thursday, November 13th, 2008, any eligible organization located in any region of Quebec, in addition to Ottawa and London in Ontario, may apply to receive a donation. This donation must be used to fund a project dedicated to fulfilling targeted, specific needs with the goal of providing concrete assistance to local women in difficulty.

Mr. Montminy is president of the board of directors of the Foundation, and its members include Dr. Marie Bergeron, a specialist in cosmetic medicine, Ms. France Castel, actress and TV host, the Honourable Liza Frulla, political analyst, TV host and former politician, Ms. Kateri-Anne Grenier, attorney at Ogilvy Renault, Ms. Suzanne Têtu, head of design and decoration for Epiderma, and Ms. Claude Thibault, arts and entertainment columnist for TVA Quebec.

"I have been working on this project for some time now," said Mr. Pierre Montminy. "The Epiderma Foundation was the result of my decision to promote human and sustainable values in the communities where my company, Epiderma, is active. I am incredibly honoured to have found these six great women to sit on the very first board of directors of our Foundation."

The directors will collectively evaluate all applications for funding and will determine on a yearly basis which projects are selected, and the amount granted, based on the merits of each application.

"Too many women have to endure particularly difficult situations today," mentioned Ms. France Castel. "All the work done by organizations dedicated to helping those women is incredible, and deserves our support."

The Honourable Liza Frulla added: "The cause of women has been near and dear to my heart, and I'm proud to lend my efforts to support this worthwhile initiative."

Any organization who is interested in receiving a grant from the Foundation must fill out an application form and meet certain selection criteria. This form and full eligibility details can be found at www.epidermafoundation.ca.

Individuals who would like to donate money to the Epiderma Foundation can do so online atwww.epidermafoundation.ca, in person at Epiderma clinics in Quebec and Ontario, or by mail at 2700 Laurier Boulevard, P.O. Box 31084, Québec City, Québec G1V 2L8.

Contact: Johanne Lépine, Torchia Communications, (514) 288-8290, ext. 234, jlepine@torchiacom.com; Marie-Eve Noël, Torchia Communications, (514) 288-8290, ext. 205, menoel@torchiacom.com

Attention News/Assignment Editors

[2008/13/11]