Unique FM - Unveiling of the Gilles Desjardins Esplanade, Brigil

Gilles Desjardins Esplanade at Montfort Officially Unveiled

Today, in the presence of distinguished guests, media representatives, and members of the extended Montfort family, the Gilles Desjardins Esplanade, Brigil was officially unveiled, along with a recognition plaque. This honor recognizes Mr. Desjardins’ exceptional generosity following his $1 million donation made in June as part of the Fondation Montfort’s major fundraising campaign.

"Gilles Desjardins’ philanthropic achievements over the past years have had a direct impact on the population in many ways. His extraordinary generosity is exemplary, and the Montfort Foundation is privileged to have him by our side. It is therefore essential for us to publicly recognize his exceptional donation to the Carrefour santé Aline-Chrétien in Orléans," said Marc Villeneuve, CEO of Fondation Montfort.

Present at the unveiling were:

• Yves Tremblay, Campaign Chair
• Dr. Bernard Leduc, CEO, Montfort Hospital
• Jessy Desjardins, Vice President, Development and Design, Brigil
• Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board
• Gilles Desjardins, Founder & President, Brigil
• Maître Ronald Caza, Former Chair of the Board, Fondation Montfort
• Robert C. Rhéaume, Chair of the Board, Fondation Montfort

The financial support from this donation will enhance healthcare services in Ottawa’s east end through the Carrefour santé Aline-Chrétien, which provides a new, patient-centered care model in both official languages.

Beyond the engraved sign adorning the hospital’s main façade, this tribute reflects Gilles Desjardins’ commitment to improving the quality of life for his community. Those familiar with his story know it also represents a deep family connection to Montfort, a hospital that has cared for him, his father, his wife, his siblings, and his two children.

"Since 1985, my family and I have worked to foster growth and well-being in the National Capital Region. As citizen builders, it is an honor for us to support Montfort in its pursuit of innovation and to continue offering high-quality healthcare in French for our community and for generations to come," stated Gilles Desjardins.

This recognition is not the first of its kind for Mr. Desjardins. His name also appears on the façades of La Nouvelle-Scène Theatre and the Gatineau Hospital’s Cancer Centre, in acknowledgment of similar philanthropic contributions.

Source: Fondation Montfort