A cocktail reception, challenges and a major campaign at the Fondation Santé Outaouais

The Outaouais Health Foundation (FSO) invited its donors and community leaders to the CEO Evening of the CISSS de l’Outaouais.

The event took place at Canevas, located at 425 Saint-Joseph Boulevard in Gatineau. The 5-to-7 format and relaxed atmosphere encouraged networking and conversation.

For the occasion, FSO’s Executive Director Jean Pigeon hosted a discussion with the CEO of the CISSS de l’Outaouais (CISSSO), Marc Bilodeau, and Brigil’s founder, Gilles Desjardins.

The main topics discussed included the CISSSO’s priority projects for which the FSO is soliciting donations, as well as Gilles Desjardins’ involvement in the FSO’s major campaign.

In September, the FSO announced that Gilles Desjardins had accepted the role of chair for the 10-year major campaign, which aims to raise 50 million dollars. Gilles Desjardins also announced a historic donation of 3.5 million dollars, bringing his total contributions to the FSO to 5 million dollars.

“Our initial contributions to the foundation were motivated by our 1990s slogan: proud to build a quality of life,” said Gilles Desjardins. “It has been our mission, and it still is today.”

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The Outaouais Health Foundation, an essential player

At the start of the discussion, responding to the first question from Jean Pigeon, CISSSO CEO Marc Bilodeau highlighted the importance of the FSO’s contributions to the CISSS mission in Outaouais.

Among more than 300 projects supported by the FSO, he mentioned youth housing and protection, support for academic success, assistance with recruiting medical staff to the region, and the acquisition of incubators for newborns.

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Recruitment and retention

On the topic of supporting medical staff in the region, Jean Pigeon clarified that out of Gilles Desjardins’ 3.5 million dollar donation, 1 million is earmarked for recruiting and retaining medical personnel in Outaouais.

“Our region deserves high-quality healthcare services,” said Gilles Desjardins, noting that he often receives testimonials on the quality of staff providing services in Outaouais.

He explained that medical personnel have many options for where to work, and competition with other provinces and regions of Quebec is real. This makes it crucial to present the region positively, energize it, and provide concrete support, including housing and quality-of-life solutions.

On this matter, CISSSO’s CEO expressed his desire to distance himself from the recurring negative discourse on workforce issues.

“There is a glimmer of hope,” he said. “I think Outaouais is not as bleak as one might think,” referring to the passion, dedication, and humanism shown daily by staff, volunteers, and local organizations.

“It is motivating for staff to have the extra support that the Foundation provides,” added Gilles Desjardins.

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High expectations for the 10-year, 50-million-dollar major campaign

Gilles Desjardins is determined to make this campaign a success. Echoing the old Gatineau slogan, “Gatineau, I believe,” launched in 1976 during the city’s first mergers, Brigil’s founder affirmed his continued faith in Gatineau.

“I believe in the people of Gatineau. Healthcare in our region is so important,” said Gilles Desjardins. “The population must mobilize and work together to show Quebec that healthcare in Outaouais matters.”

“I truly have confidence. It will be a significant challenge,” he concluded. “We won’t stop until it is achieved.”

The friendly evening ended with a Q&A session where attendees asked about the objectives of the major campaign and some of the FSO and CISSSO’s achievements and commitments.

With information from Serge Cazelais

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