Montreal, November 14, 2026. Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC) is proud to announce that its volunteer-driven postage stamp sales initiative has surpassed the million-dollar fundraising mark. This remarkable achievement is the result of 40 years of dedication, a passion for philately, and generosity.
Since the inception of the initiative in 1986, volunteer philatelists have been collecting, sorting, cataloging and selling stamps, and donating the proceeds to our organization. To mark this important milestone and pay tribute to those who have helped the initiative grow, a celebratory event was held today at the École polyvalente de Beloeil, the hub of the philatelists’ group.
Attendees included Jean-Pierre Lagacé, who co-founded the initiative; representatives from philatelic clubs; and several volunteers who are at the heart of the effort.
Shelley Davidson, director of finance and compliance at DPCC, said, “Raising $1 million through stamp sales demonstrates the power of collective action. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers, stamp collectors and everyone who channels their passion into supporting our mission and makes a tangible contribution to promoting justice, dignity and solidarity around the world.”
Guy Vézina, who coordinates the initiative, also lauded the contributions of everyone who has helped make it a success over the years, saying, “It’s amazing to think that a simple little piece of paper can help improve the lives of people and communities around the world. Yet that is exactly what we have accomplished collectively, one stamp at a time. Reaching $1 million is a source of immense pride for all of us.”
To mark this achievement, DPCC produced a short documentary tracing the history of the initiative and dedicated an episode of its Voices of solidarity podcast to this effort.
Nearly 40 years after its inception, the initiative continues to turn stamps into tangible support for DPCC’s projects. Volunteers remain committed to the cause and invite the public to participate by donating stamps.
The organization extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make this initiative a success over the years.
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About Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada. It works in partnership with local organizations in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East to create greater justice in the world and to act in solidarity with the most vulnerable people.
For more information, contact:
Minaz Kerawala
Communications and Public Relations Advisor
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
514 257-8710 ext. 328 | mkerawala@devp.org