2024 National Philanthropy Day

Nominated by Fondation de l’Université de Sherbrooke.

Founded in Sherbrooke in 1998 by brothers Peter and Matthew Cassar, Sherweb quickly carved out a leadership role in cloud solutions for businesses. With more than 100,000 clients around the world, Sherweb offers IT professionals a complete management platform, enriched with software and personalized technical support. Thanks to its expertise and innovative spirit, Sherweb has received awards from Microsoft, CRN and Acronis, a testament to its impact in the technology sector.

In 2012, Sherweb made a commitment to Fondation de l’Université de Sherbrooke with the creation of the Sherweb scholarship fund for engineering students. The business also contributed to local initiatives, such as Operation Red Nose and benefit performances and, in 2020, it donated $25,000 of the COVID-19 emergency assistance fund, marking its commitment during critical periods. Sherweb also works with the Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET) of Université de Sherbrooke, welcoming interns and graduates to strengthen the connection with the local workforce.

In 2024, after Matthew Cassar’s personal involvement in a historical fundraising campaign, Sherweb committed $1.5 million to support Université de Sherbrooke’s Pôle d’expertises en cybersécurité. Sherweb places social responsibility at the centre of its values and, each year, supports various organizations in addition to its major commitment to Université de Sherbrooke. These include Leucan, Centraide, the CHUS Foundation and Fondation Rock-Guertin.

For everything it brings to its community, today Sherweb is receiving the Award for Outstanding Corporate Major Donor. This aware is much more than a recognition; it’s a celebration of the lasting commitment of a business that believes in the future of the region.

Jacynthe Côté was nominated by Alloprof and CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation

Nominated by Alloprof and the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation.

Jacynthe Côté, originally from Normandin in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, grew up in a community where mutual aid was an guiding value, one that was handed down to her by her parents. This philosophy has accompanied her throughout her life. After earning a degree in chemistry from Université Laval, she embarked on a career at Alcan in 1988, where she quickly climbed the ranks. In 2009, she made history at the company, becoming the first woman President and CEO—no easy feat in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Her deep commitment to education is showcased by her involvement in Alloprof. In 2014, she became Chair of the Board of Directors after having served as an honorary patron. Under her influence, Alloprof underwent a dazzling transformation, growing from 330 000 to 550 000 students helped each year. Jacynthe wasn’t content to simply keep the organization afloat: she propelled it forward by recruiting experts and strengthening its governance. Thanks to her efforts, the budget grew twenty-fold in 10 years, enabling it to develop online tools to respond to the needs of Québec students.

At the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, her devotion to children’s health has made all the difference. Chair of the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2023, Jacynthe orchestrated the Healing More Better campaign, raising $255 million, far in excess of the original goal. This sum made it possible to finance 70 projects that transformed pediatric care. Even during the pandemic, she stayed the course, launching the “Préserver les acquis” campaign and joining forces with SickKids in Toronto to create an unprecedented $100 million partnership to help thousands of children.

Her exceptional contribution has not gone unnoticed: she was awarded the Médaille de l’Université Laval in 2009 and was named Personality of the Year by La Presse and Radio-Canada in 2010.

In everything she does, Jacynthe stands out for her visionary spirit and ability to bring key people together around ambitious projects. Whether at Alloprof or at the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, she has been able to convince donors and volunteers to invest in causes that matter. She inspires others through her humanity, determination and action, creating a veritable movement around her.

***

Jean Champagne was nominated by Club Parentaide Beauce Centre, Cultiver pour partager, the Fondation des Sports et Loisirs de Beauceville and the Corporation du quartier de la débâcle de Beauceville (CQDB).

 
Jean Champagne is a tireless entrepreneur and volunteer whose devotion has marked the community of the Beauce. Professionally, he built his career around business development and financing, in particular as President and CEO of Portes Patio Résiver (Novatech). However, his greatest impact has been his contribution to community life.

Founder, alongside his spouse Louise Mathieu, of the Club Parentaide Beauce Centre in 1994, Jean has always put his skills to work for others. He has devoted countless hours to developing projects to support families, youth and people in need. His vision and rigour have enabled him, along with his teams, to put in place and structure solid organizations, like the Fondation des Sports et Loisirs de Beauceville and Cultiver pour partager,  which he heads.

Jean is known for his unifying spirit, mobilizing volunteers and donors around concrete projects. He has organized and led fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for the community, be it for sports infrastructure, social programs, or cultural and heritage activities. His secret? His unshakeable belief in the projects he advocates, and his iron will.

Far from seeking the spotlight, Jean works with compassion and discretion.  His decades of volunteer engagement testify to his profound generosity and his desire to improve the quality of life in the Beauce and in Chaudière-Appalaches.

***

Nominated by the Fondation pour la Santé du Nord de Lanaudière

A. Chalut auto ltée, a General Motors dealership, does much more than sell cars in Lanaudière. Since it opened in 1967, this family business, led today by Alexandre Chalut alongside his father, Alain, generously invests in local health services and family support.

Each year, A. Chalut auto ltée organizes the André Chalut Golf Omnium, a tournament that brings together neighbours and friends for a good cause. For 44 years, this event has raised more than $1 million for Fondation pour la Santé du Nord de Lanaudière. These funds have made it possible to carry out vital projects, such as the creation of the Pavillon André-Chalut in hematology-oncology, offering care to cancer patients. The Chalut family has also contributed to the creation of a breast clinic, providing even better access to health services in the region.

For the Chalut family, this commitment is more than a simple tradition. It’s a way of giving back, and ensuring that the residents of Lanaudière have access to quality services close to home. This spirit of solidarity is also reflected in their sustained support for fundraisers for Fondation pour la Santé du Nord de Lanaudière, where Alain Chalut plays an active role as ambassador.

Today, A. Chalut auto ltée is receiving the Award for Outstanding Corporate Citizen (fewer than 500 employees), well-deserved recognition for their genuine commitment to well-being in Lanaudière.

Nominated by The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, The McGill University Health Centre Foundation and the Fondation Charles-Bruneau

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. In 2023, CIBC announced an investment of $800 million over 10 years to support projects in health, economic inclusion and sustainable development. Through corporate contributions, the CIBC Foundation, and Team CIBC volunteerism, giving and fundraising, the bank aims to drive positive social and economic change that supports its shared purpose of helping make ambitions a reality.

CIBC also supports children facing pediatric cancer. Its partnerships with organizations such as the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation and the McGill University Health Center Foundation demonstrate its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young patients.

Thanks to these efforts, CIBC today received the Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award (500 employees or more). This award highlights its leadership role not only in banking, but also in supporting causes that transform lives, proving that businesses can be agents of change.

Nominated by The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation

Created 10 years ago, Leaders on Wheels is a team of inspiring young people in wheelchairs, committed to raising funds for the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where they themselves were treated. This group of students between the ages of 13 and 21, all from the Mackay Centre’s Satellite Class at Westmount Highschool, embodies resilience and generosity. Despite their physical challenges, these young philanthropists have already raised more than $30,000 to support health care.

Leaders on Wheels uses their creativity to raise funds by making and selling a whole range of homemade products, such as seasonings, BBQ sauces, triple-chocolate brownies and dog treats. But their commitment doesn’t end there: they also produce promotional videos, in which each member participates, in front of or behind the camera—illustrating their spirit of innovation and collaboration.

This initiative, guided by their teacher and special educators, testifies to their desire to contribute to the care of their peers at the Hospital. More than a simple philanthropic project, their commitment reinvents perceptions and paves the way for a more inclusive society.

This year, Leaders on Wheels is receiving the Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy for their determination and exemplary commitment.

Nominated by Fondation médicale des Laurentides et des Pays-d’en-Haut.

Caroline Richer: her name has become synonymous with pushing the boundaries of philanthropy! For three years, Caroline has headed Trésors, a second-hand store at the heart of the Laurentides and Pays-d’en-Haut medical Foundation. This is more than simply a store—it’s a vital source of funding, covering administration fees so that donations can go directly to health projects.

Previously a bank employee, Caroline changed course so that she could get involved in something that she holds very dear to her heart: the health of her community. Since her arrival, she’s breathed new life into Trésors, doubling the store’s revenue from $500,000 to more than $1.2 million in 2023. This is expected to climb to $1.5 million in 2024. This success has enabled the Foundation to fund even more health projects, without touching donations.

Caroline knows how to rally people and has mobilized her 20 employees and many volunteers. With her human approach, she’s created a work environment where everyone feels valued and involved. Her initiatives, such as expanding the used furniture section and the furniture collection service, have turned Trésors into a top shopping destination in the region.

Today, Caroline Richer is receiving the Award for Rising Star of AFP Quebec in recognition of her impact and devotion, which are making all the difference for local health care.

Nominated by Le Phare, Enfants et Familles

Michèle Viau-Chagnon is an inspiring woman who has made a profound mark on pediatric palliative care and fundraising in Québec. Co-founder of Phare, Enfants et Familles, she has dedicated her life to supporting very sick children and their families. Before creating Le Phare, Michèle played a crucial role at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, where she implemented innovative programs to support families. These initiatives changed the way we approach care for children with serious diseases.

With the priceless contribution and involvement of Nicole Marcil-Gratton, who has since passed away, Michèle raised more than $6 million to open the first pediatric palliative care hospice in Québec. Thanks to her dedication, Le Phare has become an international frame of reference, bringing respite and support to hundreds of families each year. Since its creation, Michèle and Nicole’s efforts have helped to raise over $60 million to offer more than 50 000 overnight respite stays and help close to 1000 families.

What makes Michèle’s vision so exceptional is her capacity to bring together the right people and convince donors and volunteers to get involved, while remaining accessible and compassionate. Recipient of the Ordre national du Québec and the Meritorious Service Cross of Canada, Michèle continues today to support Le Phare as a member of the Board of Directors. She ensures that the organization remains true to its mission: bringing respite and comfort to families in difficulty.