Event Program

Nominated by Olympiques spéciaux Québec

For more than 25 years, Daniel has dedicated his time, heart, and energy to empowering people with autism or intellectual disabilities and to improving their social inclusion through sports and health management.

As President of Special Olympics Québec since 2003, he has helped raise awareness of the importance of social inclusion for people with differences in all settings, and has contributed to the growth of the organization, which now brings together several thousand athletes active in most regions of Québec.

Recognized for his generosity, sustained and exceptional commitment, and leadership, Daniel brings together individuals, businesses, and organizations around a common goal: every person deserves their place, their achievements, and their sense of pride within our communities.

Nominated by Centraide of Greater Montreal

The Montréal office, established in 2021, quickly stood out for its exemplary community involvement. From the day its Québec division opened, the business implemented an internal Centraide campaign that mobilized 100% of its employees each year, with a growth in donations ranging from 60% to 110% from year to year.

In 2025, the campaign raised $91,000 thanks to a generous corporate matching of employee donations. PCL Construction also sets itself apart with its innovative philanthropic approach: promoting source deductions in addition to special events to encourage a culture of sustainable and inclusive giving.

Guided by its values of equity and accountability, the business demonstrates that an organization on a human scale can have a real impact on the social fabric of its community.

Nominated by Fondation Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis 

A charitable business founded in Lévis in 1968, Dessercom works in pre-hospital emergency services, medical transport, event medical assistance and aeromedical evacuation, and reinvests the surpluses from its activities in improving health care and innovation. From the very beginning, it has placed community at the heart of its mission.

A long-standing partner of the Fondation Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis, Dessercom has donated more than $55 million to develop the Hospital, including $22.3 million since the creation of the Foundation. Its contribution has enabled the creation of the Maison Dessercom, a welcoming and affordable residence for patients and their loved ones—a meaningful project for the entire region.

Bolstered by its values of solidarity, proximity and accountability, Dessercom demonstrates that a business can be both efficient and profoundly human.   

Émilie Bédard was nominated by Youth in Mind Foundation

At only 17, Émilie embodies determination, resilience and altruism. Last summer, she ran 600 km from Thetford Mines to Ottawa (a half-marathon per day for one month) to support youth mental health and raise funds for the Youth in Mind Foundation.

During her  “Un pas à la fois” challenge,  she collected $22,000, raised public awareness and shined the light on the cause of adolescent mental health across Québec.

Inspiring and radiant, Émilie proves that—at any age—we can make a difference and sow the seeds of change.

***

Marie-Fée Pellerin was nominated by The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation

When she was 19, Marie-Fée transformed her personal story into a source of hope. A survivor of lymphoma, diagnosed when she was a teen, today she’s giving back to the hospital that saved her life.

Ambassador of Sainte-Justine’s Youth Tree of Lights, alongside her father, Fred Pellerin, and the youngest member of the Grow Beyond initiative, she lends her voice and energy to children and families followed at Sainte-Justine.

Her involvement contributed to the exceptional success of the 2024 Youth Tree of Lights, helping to raise $2.7 million to support care and research. A nursing student, Marie-Fée embodies a youth that is engaged, inspiring and profoundly human.

Nominated by Nova Home Care

At the head of Nova Home Care since 2022, Anne-Sophie breathed new life and momentum into a hundred-year-old organization. Under her direction, the team grew, services developed and Nova Home Care’s mission now beams more brightly than ever. Her secret? A profoundly human leadership, rooted in listening, transparency and collaboration. Anne-Sophie doesn’t seek the spotlight—she shines it on others. 

Nominated by St.Mary’s Hospital Foundation

At the head of the Foundation for over 25 years, Cynda Heward played a decisive role in developing health philanthropy in Québec. Under her direction, proceeds from fundraisers increased from $300,000 to more than $5 million per year, supporting major projects like the expansion of the Emergency, the modernization of the hospital and the Next Century of Care campaign, which topped $100 million.

A committed and unifying force, Cynda has built lasting communities and friendships, based on trust, innovation and a vision of continuous success. She has successfully mobilized donors, partners and teams around a common mission: offering care imbued with excellence, innovation and compassion. Her influence goes well beyond St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, having inspired and trained an entire generation of professionals in the field through her caring leadership and commitment to ethical and transparent practices