Role of the Justin Lefebvre Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The Justin Lefebvre Foundation is a Sherbrooke-based charitable foundation created in memory of Justin, a young boy whose organ donation inspired his family to turn their grief into action. Since 2017, the foundation has focused on two main missions: relieving poverty among low-income families in the Estrie region by supporting children’s access to sports and education, and advancing the cause of organ donation through promotion, education and research funding.
On the social side, the foundation operates a structured financial assistance program for children under 18 who live in Estrie. Families with income below thresholds set by Statistics Canada can apply for support to cover registration fees or costs related to sports and school activities. Applications are evaluated confidentially by the board of directors, with typical annual maximums per child for sports and for the purchase of school supplies. This targeted aid helps reduce financial barriers that prevent young people from participating fully in community life.
Funding for research and partner organizations
Beyond direct aid to families, the foundation channels significant resources into the organ donation ecosystem. It supports the first Justin Lefebvre Research Chair on organ donation in partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke, helping to improve clinical practices, increase the number and quality of transplanted organs, and support families of donors. The foundation also makes donations to recognized organizations active in health, organ donation and community support, as reflected in annual reports that detail amounts invested in promotion, education and research.
General approach to evaluation and governance
Financial assistance requests are reviewed by the board within a short timeframe, according to clear eligibility criteria such as age, residence in Estrie, proof of registration in covered activities and documented family income. The foundation publishes impact figures since November 2017, including numbers of children helped and total amounts distributed in the region, which contributes to transparency and accountability.
Supported audiences and overall impact
The primary beneficiaries are children from low-income families in Sherbrooke and the wider Estrie region, as well as patients and families indirectly reached through improved organ donation practices and research. Through its funding programs, annual fundraising events and partnerships with local businesses and institutions, the Justin Lefebvre Foundation plays a meaningful role in both social inclusion through sport and education and in strengthening the culture and science of organ donation in Quebec and Canada.