Montreal, Quebec, Oct. 1, 2003 — Ron Lawless, Chairman of the Board and President of The Old Brewery Mission, announced today that the Reverend Robert Warren will relinquish his duties as Executive Director of the charitable organization to accept a post with the Diocese of Edinburgh in Scotland.

A native of British Columbia, who was once chaplain for the Port of Montreal, Robert Warren, 45, joined The Old Brewery Mission in April 1999 and has worked tirelessly during his four-year tenure to improve the living conditions of Montreal’s homeless population.

“As our spiritual and executive leader, Father Warren has done an excellent job in redefining the role of The Old Brewery Mission, putting a structure in place that has made it more relevant than ever, not only for the underprivileged in our society, but also for the entire Montreal community,” said Mr. Lawless.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication. While we are sorry to see him leave, we are pleased to learn that his new assignment fills him with much joy and excitement.” Lawless added that the board is currently in the process of looking for a new executive director and that a successor will be named before the end of the year.

As of Nov. 1, Father Warren will become Rector of the parish of St. James the Less in Penicuik, and Priest-in-Charge of St. Mungo’s, West Linton, under the guidance of Bishop Brian Smith in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

“It’s been a privilege to work at The Old Brewery Mission and I am thankful for the time I spent here, since it allowed me to be in contact with people from every walk of life,” said Father Warren. “I have never been involved with an organization that is as crucial to the quality of life of so many people. I believe it is more important than ever to have institutions such as the Mission that will stand up for those who have been marginalized.

“I look forward to going back to a pulpit and becoming more involved in parish ministry. It is also the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to live in Europe. I leave with the knowledge that The Old Brewery Mission will continue to be a beacon and a safe haven for those without shelter.”

Six weeks ago, The Old Brewery Mission launched the first major fund-raising campaign in its 114-year history, issuing a plea specifically to the business community in an effort to raise $2.5 million over the next five years to deal with the growing incidence of homelessness.

Information: Louis Payette / Diane Jeannotte Torchia Communications Tel.: (514) 288-8290