A $500,000 donation to the Gatineau Health Foundation

GATINEAU, November 7, 2014 – The Fondation Santé Gatineau proudly announces that it has received an exceptional donation of $500,000 from Gilles Desjardins, President of Brigil and distinguished citizen of the region. With this contribution, his total support to the Foundation reaches nearly $1.5 million, making it the largest donation in the organization’s history.

During a public event at the Gatineau Hospital, Yves Ducharme, President of the Fondation Santé Gatineau, stated:

“On behalf of my colleagues on the Foundation’s board, I sincerely thank Mr. Desjardins for this exceptional donation. This great friend of the Foundation, who has supported us for over 20 years through his generosity, deserves our utmost admiration. The magnitude of his gift today further demonstrates his trust in the Foundation and in our healthcare institutions.”

Marie-Krystine Larabie-LeSieur, Vice-President of the Gatineau CSSS board, added:

“Support from major donors like Mr. Desjardins is essential for our organization. They are a key link in the development of our CSSS. Thanks to donations like his, we can provide the community with high-quality care and services and access to the latest technologies. The entire organization thanks him for making a difference.”

A Life Dedicated to Entrepreneurship and Community
From a young age, Gilles Desjardins knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. In 1985, at only 19 years old, he founded Brigil. With keen business acumen and a commitment to building a quality of life for his community, Mr. Desjardins and his company have achieved lasting success. Over the years, Brigil has become a key player in residential construction in the National Capital Region and has expanded into commercial projects, currently supporting 1,200 direct and indirect jobs annually.

Despite his business success, Mr. Desjardins remains humble and family-oriented. His wife, Céline Bériault, and his sons, Kevin and Jessy, remain at the center of his life. Speaking at the event, he said:

“This $500,000 donation is a gesture of thanks to the people of Gatineau who allowed me to succeed in business. I sincerely believe that a healthy community contributes to the success and dynamism of its local entrepreneurs. We are proud to build a quality of life for the citizens of our city.”

Pavillon Gilles Desjardins, Brigil
In recognition of this exceptional act of generosity, the Gatineau Hospital’s Cancer Centre has been named the ‘Pavillon Gilles Desjardins, Brigil’. A permanent dedication plaque will be displayed both outside and inside the building as a lasting tribute to his contribution.

The Fondation Santé Gatineau raises funds entirely from the community, with 100% of donations directed to the Gatineau CSSS to support its mission of promoting the well-being and health of the population. Last year, the Foundation donated over $3.5 million to the CSSS to fund priority projects, setting a record in the organization’s history.

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