Weekend in a Teepee Voted most Priceless Experience

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MasterCard’s Great Regional Challenge: A mother of three and Moisson Outaouais each receive $25,000

MONTREAL, July 16, 2008 – In May, MasterCard Canada started the search for the most priceless experience by challenging 10 regions in Québec to enter a friendly competition on www.canapasdeprix.ca. Over 1,270 people responded to MasterCard’s invitation and submitted their own memorable moments. The site received approximately 150,000 visits during the contest, and many visitors took the opportunity to vote for the most priceless experience. A memorable weekend spent in a teepee was voted most priceless experience, making the Outaouais region the other winner of the MasterCard’s Great Regional Challenge.Chantale Pichette’s entry Weekend in a teepee received the most votes, earning her the $25,000 prize from MasterCard Canada. Because the winning moment was enjoyed in the Outaouais region, MasterCard Canada will award the same amount to Moisson Outaouais, a regional charitable organization, which will help finance transportation and increase the amount and quality of food that the regional food bank provides.

“This contest allowed Quebecers from different regions to share experiences, create ties and draw inspiration for vacationing in Québec,” said Martin Leman, Vice-President at MasterCard Canada. “Congratulations to Chantale Pichette for having received the most votes. And I am very pleased that Moisson Outaouais and the people in need of this region will get a helping hand thanks to this contest.”

The winner was very glad she listened to her spouse, who encouraged her to enter the contest. “Our stay in a teepee on the shores of the Rivière Rouge is burned in my memory,” says Chantale Pichette, a Montreal-area mother of three young children. “We want to do it again as a family once our twins are older. I won the contest thanks to this treasured memory! We can finally finish the renovations on our house, something we had to put aside when the little ones arrived.”

For Moisson Outaouais, the money will go a long way. “Our operating budget for the year is already in place, so this money will be entirely devoted to serving people in the region who are in need,” says Benoît Gélinas, Communications manager at Moisson Outaouais. “Our agreements with food suppliers increase our purchasing power fivefold: a single dollar spent is worth five.” Moisson Outaouais serves over 27 charitable organizations in the region.

The contest is over, but the site www.canapasdeprix.ca remains a helpful resource for Internet users. They may consult it to plan their next getaway, whether in a far away spot of the province or just to discover a gem in their neighbourhood. They will also be able to post their own unforgettable experiences, accompanied by photos or videos.

About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

For more information, please contact:

Miriam Lauzon
Capital-Image
514-816-3176, ext. 235
mlauzon@capital-image.com