The House Improvement Campaign
A Message From the Gamma Lambda Foundation Inc (GLFI or “House Corp”):
Since the founding of Gamma Lambda at McGill in 1927, and as part of the international Sigma Chi Fraternity, so many of us have benefited from the generosity, fellowship and dedication of the Brothers who came before us. They have inspired us and taught us what it means to be part of a far-reaching Brotherhood, where men of different ages and backgrounds can find common purpose, support and friendship. Now, through a focused campaign to improve the Gamma Lambda Chapter House and build a solid fund for the future, we have the opportunity to extend these important traditions and secure the future of Gamma Lambda at McGill. I firmly believe that this is the next step we must take, and I hope that you join me.
In hoc,
Dave Berry
Gamma Lambda ’81
A Message from the Gamma Lambda Fundraising Committee:
As you may have seen in monthly newsletters, GLFI and many Gamma Lambda Alumni have put significant effort into developing a path forward for the continuation of our Chapter House at 3581 University. We have a lot of challenges, but we also have some very positive momentum. There is work to be done, but we do have a path forward for 3581 University as we march toward our Chapter’s 100th anniversary in 2027!
Description of Projects
Like any house, our Chapter House needs a constant infusion of cash to keep it livable. There are a few urgent projects to undertake. The immediate priority is to comply with the Montreal Fire Department’s demands for a second point of egress. In subsequent phases, the Chapter House requires replacement windows, doors, galvanized pipes, and a new sewer backflow valve. Furthermore, the wood flooring and carpeting needs to be replaced, and repairs to existing woodwork and other cosmetic upgrades are all much past due.
Down the road but in the not-too-distant future, additional structural investments will be required such as a new roof, a new HVAC and boiler system, repointing the brickwork, and some kitchen upgrades.
Smaller projects are also planned along the way, which include painting throughout the house and renovating the Chapter House’s private or semi-private living quarters. Some rooms have already been renovated, and more have been upgraded during recent Spruce Up Weekends, which saw several Alumni and Actives participating.
The scope of these projects has resulted in an additional need to increase the Capital Reserve Fund to provide funds for these and future improvements, and to protect against unforeseen events.
How to Help
To do all this, in May 2025 we began a fundraising campaign called “The “100 For The 100th, where we aim to raise more than $400 000, the minimum amount needed to install a second fire escape and to carry out much needed renovations.
Your donations will have a huge impact, and now all donations are guaranteed to be returned if the Chapter House is sold prior to 2030. In addition, donations of $4,000+CAD shall be reimbursed with an additional 10% reimbursement bonus paid back to the donor. Where else can you get such a guarantee?
Updates will be shared with all Alumni on our mailing lists, along with our fundraising roadmap and milestones. In conjunction with the Active Chapter and the Montreal Alumni Chapter, we also plan to hold a few different kinds of events through each year, and we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your giving budget and commitment to Gamma Lambda.
We use Zeffy.com, a 100% free website, which avoids credit card processing fees, meaning 100% of your donation goes towards Gamma Lambda repairs.
You can also donate by Interac eTransfer, using donate @gammalambda.ca. There is no need for a security question, making it even simpler than before!
You can make a small monthly donation of $10, $20, $25 or more. These small amounts can add up quickly for the House, without adding a big bite to your monthly expenses.
To make a one-time or recurring donation, please see the Donate page.
In hoc,
Nicholas Merendina
Gamma Lambda ’96
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