Role of Fondation de l’Ermitage in the funding ecosystem
Fondation de l’Ermitage is a community-based charitable foundation created in 1981 in the Victoriaville region of Quebec. Its core mandate is to improve the quality of life of people with loss of autonomy who live in long-term care centres (CHSLD) and related housing facilities. The foundation mobilizes donors, partners and events to raise funds, which are then reinvested into concrete projects for residents in the supported institutions.
Over the decades, more than 25 million dollars have been invested in projects such as the purchase of specialized equipment, renovation and modernization of care environments, and the development of cultural, social and recreational activities. The foundation explicitly supports the projects and investments of the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec for several establishments, including CHSLD du Roseau, CHSLD du Chêne, Maison des aînés et alternative de Victoriaville and the Centre d’hébergement de Warwick.
Main funding themes and types of support
- Major redevelopment projects: financing of large-scale renovations and modernization of living environments, including expansion and improvement of facilities to create warmer, safer and more human-centred spaces.
- Specialized equipment: acquisition of equipment not covered by government budgets, such as therapeutic and comfort furniture, calming chairs, and devices that support residents’ autonomy and well-being.
- Cultural, social and recreational activities: ongoing support for entertainment, outings, creative workshops, zootherapy and other leisure activities that break isolation, stimulate the senses and foster joy.
Supported audiences and impact
The foundation’s beneficiaries are primarily seniors and other individuals experiencing significant loss of autonomy who live in the supported CHSLD and care facilities in the greater Victoriaville area and the Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec health region. Through its investments, the organization enhances both the physical environment and the daily experience of residents and their families, helping them live with greater dignity, comfort and human connection.
Mission, values and governance
The mission of Fondation de l’Ermitage is to improve daily quality of life for residents and users of the CHSLD it supports, by backing projects and investments proposed within the public health and social services network. The foundation operates according to values of dignity, compassion, engagement, presence, respect and humanity, which guide project selection and the way initiatives are carried out in collaboration with care teams.
Through annual fundraising campaigns, benefit events and lotteries highlighted in its news and campaign pages, the foundation ensures that collected donations are reinvested quickly while maintaining a reserve fund. This position makes Fondation de l’Ermitage an important financial partner for long-term care facilities in its region, complementing public funding with community-driven investments.