Annual Information Meeting: The year 2018 stood out for the launch of our major fundraising campaign

From left to right, President of the Foundation’s Board, Bernard Pitre; co-Director General of general and specialized physical health programs, CIUSSS NIM, Dr. Josée Savoie; President and co-Director General of the CIUSSS NIM, Julie Boucher; and the Foun

The Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital Foundation held its annual information session on May 28, at the offices of ABB Canada in the borough of Saint-Laurent.

This meeting, which brought together members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, administrators from the CIUSSS for the northern sector of the Island of Montreal, physicians, partners and donors, was an opportunity to briefly review the activities and accomplishments for 2018 and to share upcoming projects in line with the Foundation’s mission.

Naturally, there was much discussion about the major fundraising campaign, It all starts with your signature, which was launched in the fall of 2018 for hospital employees, physicians and the general public. The goal is to raise $35 million in order to carry out six projects—100% financed by the Foundation—that can be completed in a relatively short period of time. These projects will have a direct impact on quality of care as well as contributing to the advancement of research and supporting our teaching mission.

The Chairman of the Board made the following pronouncement in his opening remarks to the meeting: “I appeal to your commitment to help us write a new chapter in the history of Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital. We are laying the groundwork to mark 100 years for the Hospital as well as 50 years of the Foundation, both of which will be celebrated in 2026. We invite you, as influential leaders in your various enterprises, to work with us on this major campaign by reaching out across your networks or by joining our Board of Directors. The Foundation’s board has been energized by the recent arrival of new recruits. Thanks to their expertise, their contacts and the credibility they enjoy in the business world, they will support us in this endeavor.”

Five new members

Five new members have joined the Board of Directors, which has a total roster of thirty:  Raed Bechara, President and CEO, Industrie de palettes Standard (IPS) Inc.; André Desautels, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, WSP Canada Inc.; Claude Gagnon, President, Operations, BMO Financial Group (Québec); Serge Lalonde, Counsel, Dentons Canada; and Serge Lebeau, agronomist.

Donation to the Hospital

As is customary, this annual meeting is the moment we reveal the total amount of money turned over to Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital and the Albert-Prévost Mental Health Centre during 2018 to improve patient care and to support teaching and research. This year the contribution reached $2,243,739. It should be noted that the Foundation actually raised more than this amount but retains some of the funds until projects are actually underway.

For example, the major transformation that will result in the building of a new pavilion above the Emergency Department will allow the modernization of several departments and services. The Foundation will contribute some $14,568,511 to these projects which will benefit patients. By 2020, the Foundation will have turned over $91,951,179 – an impressive contribution. In addition, a certain amount of money is put into long-term investments to ensure the Foundation’s sustainability.

For a complete accounting of the Foundation’s activities in 2018, please consult our most recent annual report, available in PDF format.

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