Role of the Foundation of the Health and Social Services Centre of Val‑Saint‑François in the funding ecosystem
The Foundation of the Health and Social Services Centre of Val‑Saint‑François is a non‑profit philanthropic organization that supports the health and social services network in the MRC of Val‑Saint‑François, in the Estrie region of Quebec. Its mission is to organize fundraising activities and collect individual, corporate and memorial donations, then redistribute these funds fairly throughout the territory. The foundation plays a complementary role to the public health system by financing priority projects that improve care and quality of life for users.
The foundation’s financial support is directed toward several main themes: the purchase of medical and therapeutic equipment for CHSLD and other health facilities, the creation of more welcoming and comfortable environments for residents, and community health initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles. It also supports projects that directly benefit vulnerable groups such as seniors, people with disabilities and children and families.
Main types of funded projects
- Medical equipment – acquisition of specialized equipment for CHSLD and other care settings, such as mechanical lifts, therapeutic baths, mobile COVID‑19 units, sports equipment for schools and various devices that improve safety and comfort.
- Welcoming environments and quality of life – investments in furniture, outdoor patios and relaxation equipment (for example Wellness Nordic chairs) to create pleasant living spaces for residents and patients.
- Community health and prevention – contributions to initiatives encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles, as well as support for school projects and local organizations that promote overall health.
- Support for children and families – notably through the OLO program, which offers adapted food support to help children in Val ‑Saint‑François be born healthy and get a good start in life.
Beneficiaries and impact
The foundation primarily benefits public institutions and community initiatives linked to the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS and local partners in Val‑Saint‑François. Its realizations page highlights concrete investments: funding of an itinerant COVID‑19 screening unit, purchase of comfortable armchairs for seniors in CHSLD, IT equipment to maintain contact with families during the pandemic, and support to a school resource class for an educational trip.
Since 2008, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through recurring events such as lobster benefit dinners, walks, lotteries and other fundraising campaigns. These amounts are then reinvested locally in projects that enhance the quality of services and the overall well‑being of citizens.
Fundraising activities and governance
The organization relies on a mix of fundraising mechanisms: annual benefit suppers, community events like the “Méchoui pour une bonne cause”, collaboration with local associations and volunteers, and sale of lottery tickets whose proceeds are earmarked for CHSLD and health centres. Donors can also make one‑time or in‑memoriam gifts via the foundation’s website.
Through regular communication of its achievements and transparent presentation of funded amounts by project, the foundation demonstrates a concern for accountability toward its donors and the population. This transparency helps strengthen trust and sustain long‑term support for health and community projects in Val‑Saint‑François.