SAINT-HYACINTHE, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 10, 2026--
The Quebec councils of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest lay Catholic men’s organization, have raised more than $1.4 million as part of an annual fundraising effort, La Campagne des oeuvres charitables, the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the campaign will be directed to local and regional organizations and programs that provide much-needed support to people throughout the province. This includes distribution of new winter coats through the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids® program, and wheelchairs, as well as donations to local hospital foundations, food banks, Special Olympics Quebec and other programs that support those in need. Now in its 49th year, the campaign is conducted through the sale of raffle tickets distributed across the province by members of the Order in Quebec.
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“We are overwhelmed by the interest and support of Quebecers for this noble annual appeal,” says Lorenzo Quirion, the provincial coordinator for the campaign. “Charity is at the heart of what the Knights do, and it’s what drives the success of this effort. In this case, we will use the funds to support those in need at home, but we continue to rally support through other campaigns in order to give back to communities around the world too.”
The Knights of Columbus held a special draw on April 11 during its Quebec State Convention at Le Victorin Hotel and Conference Centre in Victoriaville, Quebec. Prizes totaled $200,000 and were distributed to 15 winners.
Knights of Columbus is well known for its charitable works throughout Quebec and around the world. In 2025, members donated $197 million to charity and devoted 48 million hours to volunteer service worldwide. In Quebec, the Knights count more than 70,000 members spread across more than 600 councils and other local groups, who collectively, directed another $15.75 million in other financial and in-kind contributions to local causes.
“Like our members, our insurance professionals are driven to give of themselves to support those in need,” says Jean-Marc Le Bouthillier, General Agent for the Knights of Columbus in Montreal. “This spirit drives us to help members protect their loved ones through our insurance solutions, as well as anyone in our communities that we can help. We couldn’t be happier to support this fundraiser and look forward to next year’s campaign.”
Founded in 1882 and active in Canada since 1897, the Knights of Columbus offers life insurance products to its members and their families through a network of agencies that provides services to members in the region. In Quebec, the Knights are represented by Agency Le Bouthillier, Agency Angy Dion and Agency Duval who collectively cover the province of Quebec. A portion of proceeds from the insurance business of the Knights of Columbus is reinvested into the Order’s charitable efforts including its winter coats, build-a-bed and food for families programs. A more detailed list of the organization’s programs is available at chevaliersdecolomb.com and kofc.org.
Now in its 49th year, La Campagne des œuvres charitables of the Knights of Columbus of Quebec has raised over $1.4 million for local charities and other programs assisting people in need. Photo: Knights of Columbus.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Opening statements began Wednesday in the federal arson trial for the man accused of sparking last year's deadly Palisades Fire in and around Los Angeles.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has pleaded not guilty to starting what became one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. Prosecutors say he started a fire on Jan. 1, 2025, and it burned undetected deep in root systems before flaring back up on Jan. 7.
Whether prosecutors can prove to jurors that Rinderknecht started the fire will be at the center of the trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt O'Brien said security camera footage shows where the fire ignited, and investigators were able to place Rinderknecht nearby because he called 911 for help 16 times in quick succession on the evening of Jan. 1. Investigators later seized a barbecue lighter from his car that he admitted to having with him on the trail.
Rinderknecht's attorney Steve Haney, meanwhile, said he won't dispute that Rinderknecht was on the hilltop near the fire's ignition that night but he was there to watch the fireworks after dropping off Uber passengers nearby. Haney said multiple witnesses as well as first responders will be called to testify that they heard fireworks in the area around the time when the fire ignited.
“When all the evidence is in, there will be one thing missing: proof that Jonathan Rinderknecht started that fire on Jan. 1,” Haney told jurors.
The Palisades Fire ultimately killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes as it incinerated hillside neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and the city of Malibu. Rinderknecht faces at least five years in prison if convicted of charges that also include malicious destruction by means of a fire.
O'Brien, in his opening, painted a picture for the jury of a troubled young man who was lonely and angry at the world after a recent breakup.
“He wanted revenge. Revenge against society because he blamed society for all his troubles,” he said.
Leading up to the trial, Haney has argued that Rinderknecht is being made as a scapegoat for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s failure to fully extinguish the blaze.
Judge Anne Hwang has ruled that the defense can’t introduce evidence or arguments about alleged negligence by the Los Angeles Fire Department, saying it was irrelevant and could confuse the jury. Defense attorneys had planned to include testimony from a firefighter that the fire was visibly smoldering when first responders left before it reignited days later.
A chimney stands on a lot covered with weeds and wildflowers in front of a home under construction more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
An aerial view shows homes under construction amid empty lots more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
D. Berryman walks her dog, Tiny Dancer, past a fire-damaged building more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FILE - This undated photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office shows Jonathan Rinderknecht. (US Attorney's Office via AP, File)
An aerial view shows the cleared site of a mobile home park more than a year after the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
