Spokesperson and Ambassadors
Pénélope McQuade, a compassionate voice for health
Pénélope McQuade has been serving as a volunteer spokesperson for the Foundation for a decade.
“When you are immobilized for days on end in your hospital bed, you notice things. Especially the attendants and nurses who run from bed to bed, always ready to help. Despite some of the facilities and multi-patient rooms in great need for repair, they do their jobs with such dedication. Dedicated people, who give their best every day and do it again the next. In light of my experience, I am excited to help an already high-performing hospital do even more with more resources."
In 2009, she was involved in a serious car accident. First stabilized and operated on in the Quebec City area, she was then transferred to trauma care at the Montreal Sacré-Cœur Hospital, where she began her rehabilitation.
During her stay, Penelope appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the nursing staff. At the same time, the great need for renovations in certain care units was evident to her.
We are both pleased and honored to have such a public figure by our side to help raise awareness of our Foundation in the public sphere.
Our Ambassadors, Our valuable allies
The Foundation can also rely on its dedicated ambassadors. United by their deep attachment to the Foundation’s mission and their gratitude for the welcome or care they received, these individuals mobilize to promote the cause within their communities and to raise funds.
Yves Gougoux
Chair of the Board of Directors of Publicis Canada, ambassador for our capital fundraising campaign, and donor for over 10 years.
Mr. Yves Gougoux knows Sacré-Cœur well—this great university hospital, soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary. A business leader, he has made numerous donations to address specific needs within the institution, and he understands better than anyone that experts from all disciplines and specialties have great ambitions for this hospital and for patient care. Mr. Gougoux supports the Foundation in its capital campaign Transforming Lives Together, which aims precisely to give them the means to achieve those ambitions.
An article in the Liaison newsletter highlighted Mr. Gougoux’s strong connection to the Hospital and his role as an ambassador. You can also learn more about the capital campaign by clicking here.
“People need to realize that close to home they have a century-old institution with a legacy of compassionate care, which is also a university hospital at the forefront of science, serving a geographic area where 25% of Quebec’s population lives. This must be known. We must give these experts the means to be ever more attentive and effective in their desire to innovate, to heal, and to care.”
— Mr. Gougoux
Richard Bourdages
Patient behind a fundraising initiative.
After a serious motorcycle accident in 2019, Richard Bourdages was transported to the trauma unit at Sacré-Cœur Hospital, where Dr. Étienne Bourassa-Moreau, an orthopedic surgeon, saved his life and prevented paralysis. Grateful for the outstanding work of the entire trauma care team, Mr. Bourdages decided — before even leaving his hospital bed — to volunteer with the Foundation and become an ambassador. In 2020, he launched his own fundraising initiative. His Donations for Life campaign, hosted on the Foundation’s website, has raised $5,000 to date.
Discover Mr. Bourdages’ story through this testimonial on the Foundation’s website.
“My parents gave me life, but what Sacré-Cœur Hospital and the Foundation did for me is priceless. Every donation can make a difference.”
— Mr. Bourdages
Lise Bissonnette
Former editor-in-chief of Le Devoir and founder of la Grande Bibliothèque du Québec.
In 2018, Ms. Bissonnette accompanied her partner, Godefroy-Maurice Cardinal, to the emergency room at the Montreal Sacré-Coeur Hospital, where they were cared for by Dr. Marie-Michèle Robert. A unique bond formed between the couple and the emergency physician. Read Ms. Bissonnette’s story in the Fall 2024 edition of the Liaison newsletter.
Moved by immense gratitude for the invaluable comfort provided by hospital staff, Ms. Bissonnette became both a donor and an ambassador for the Foundation. Her attachment to the Montreal Sacré-Coeur Hospital was also highlighted in a 2024 article in Le Devoir’s philanthropy section (page D19, in French only).
“I have lived near Sacré-Cœur for many years — it is my hospital. My partner’s most recent stay there, a few years after our meeting with Dr. Robert, gave me much to reflect on. I must say that the kindness of the care teams and physicians who welcome us in the emergency department, like the reception we received from Dr. Marie-Michèle Robert, helps soften what is otherwise a painful experience when one is faced with worry.”
— Ms. Bissonnette
Robert Arcand
Radio host at CNV station and on the web.
Robert Arcand has enjoyed a career of over 60 years in the arts. On February 2, 2024, at age 81, he suffered a heart attack — an event that profoundly changed his life and his perspective on the hospital environment.
During his stay at the Montreal Sacré-Coeur Hospital, Mr. Arcand wrote a book with his partner, Sylvie Pépin, to help them get through this difficult period and cope with the stress of two surgical procedures aimed at improving his heart health. He chose to donate the book’s proceeds to the Foundation as a gesture of gratitude toward the physicians, caregivers, and orderlies who took such good care of him.
“A code blue (cardiac arrest) is announced on the floor at 8 a.m. It’s all hands on deck in the cardiology unit. One thing is certain: I will never forget my first experience witnessing true teamwork — everyone is devoted and fully committed to saving a life. This isn’t a movie or television; I am witnessing real life while waiting for my turn in the operating room.”
— Excerpt from Mr. Arcand’s book
Pierre Karl Péladeau
Businessman, partner of our Foundation and ambassador of the Circle of Big Hearts.
The Péladeau family’s attachment to Sacré-Cœur Hospital and to our cause spans generations. Pierre Péladeau supported our Foundation from its creation nearly 50 years ago, and his son, Pierre Karl Péladeau, continues this commitment with the same generosity and conviction.
The family has been a generous donor for many years, particularly in cardiology. In 2021, Pierre Karl Péladeau made an even more significant commitment by becoming ambassador of the Circle of Big Hearts, which brings together donors who have chosen to join our monthly giving program. His remarkable involvement has helped expand the Circle, with more than 600 new monthly donors in just four years.
“My father, my family, and I have a very special attachment to the Montreal Sacré-Coeur Hospital, and we have been happy to support its projects since the creation of its Foundation. I am proud to be associated with the Circle of Big Hearts. Together, we can make a real difference for the patients of today and tomorrow.”
— Mr. Pierre Karl Péladeau