Foreword from the CEO and Board Chair
Dear philanthropists, allies, volunteers, and partners,
2025–2026 was a pivotal year for CHU Sainte‑Justine, for the Foundation, and for all of us. Profound changes were felt at every level—on the international front, at home in Quebec, and in our health care system. The rapid acceleration of technology has led to unprecedented opportunities in care, research, and innovation, while reshaping the expectations placed on our institutions.
The Foundation is taking action in the face of a world changing at remarkable speed. This year, we undertook a major strategic review to evolve how we work and build the agility we need to keep pace with the needs of Quebec’s children, mothers, and families.
As those needs continue to grow, so does the support for CHU Sainte‑Justine—thanks to you, who always answer the call. In 2025–2026, nearly $51.5 million was contributed to the hospital and the research centre, bringing the total to over $667 million since the Foundation was established in 1987.
All of this reinforces a deeply held conviction: philanthropy is far more than a complement to public funding. It has become an essential economic and strategic pillar, a means of amplifying our voice. And once again this year, you have shown that you recognize its significance. The historic results we have achieved together speak for themselves.
With a record $71.2 million in donations, the Foundation has seen its donation revenue grow by more than 70% over the past four years. This remarkable progress was achieved while maintaining one of the lowest costs per dollar raised in our sector, at 18.1%. This figure is more than a statistic; it reflects rigorous, transparent, and efficient management, honouring the trust you place in us and maximizing the impact of every dollar you entrust to us for the families who benefit from it.
Because the driving force behind all these numbers, behind all the accomplishments detailed in this annual report, is you. Longtime donors and people joining us for the first time through the Grow Beyond campaign. Companies that choose to stand with Sainte‑Justine, year after year. Volunteers who give their hearts as well as their time. These countless acts of generosity are what make every step forward possible and challenge us to remain worthy of your trust.
Through strong governance and a clear commitment, the Foundation lives up to its responsibility: to expand our reach—and yours—now and for future generations. There is no better way to honour the present than to build a greater tomorrow. We are on the cusp of a new era; let’s step into it together.
The families who walk through Sainte‑Justine’s doors deserve our very best. For them and for all of us, let’s keep pushing further, moving faster, and going beyond what was thought possible—aiming higher than ever before.
As you explore some of the achievements highlighted below, know that they are a reflection of your historic collective commitment. To each and every one of you: thank you.
Financial statements
The year 2025–2026 marks a new chapter in the history of the Foundation and its growing community of donors. With total revenue of $97.2 million, including $71.2 million in donation revenue, your generosity has reached new heights, reaffirming the strength of the path we are charting together.
Donations from the public increased by $3.4 million compared to 2024–2025, driven by record-breaking results from the Foundation’s flagship events, the momentum behind community initiatives, and steady growth in monthly giving. Major gifts also increased by $5 million, reflecting the sustained commitment of our valued volunteers, philanthropists, and partners to the vision and ambitions behind the Grow Beyond campaign. Altogether, these point to a groundswell of support that reflects the depth of your collective engagement.
Amid this growth, the Foundation has maintained a cost per dollar raised of 18.1%, compared with the 2023–2024 average of 29.8% among Canadian pediatric hospital foundations. This kind of discipline is in service of a priority that will never change: honouring the cause that unites us and the trust you place in us by managing every dollar we receive responsibly and transparently, so that its impact for Sainte‑Justine continues to grow.
And the impact is undeniable. In 2025–2026, $51.5 million was contributed to Sainte‑Justine—$10.3 million more than in 2024–2025. This exceptional contribution helps health care and research teams advance a wide range of inspiring projects and, above all, achieve tangible progress for children, mothers, and families throughout Quebec.
Our gratitude goes beyond words. You are the wind in our sails.
As Quebec’s health care system continues to evolve, CHU Sainte‑Justine is strengthening its role as a leader and key partner in maternal and child health. Driven by expertise and dedication, our teams are innovating to advance care, research, and education, and to meet the growing needs of families from across the province. With the essential support of philanthropy and the Foundation, we can grow beyond what we thought was possible to transform the lives of generations.
Events and Campaigns
Thanks to the commitment of our community of donors, the 2025–2026 fiscal year will go down as a landmark year in the history of the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation. Whether you attended an event, supported a loved one in their fundraising efforts, or made a donation, every action contributed to an extraordinary wave of solidarity. For several of our flagship events, this generosity allowed us to reach unprecedented heights. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you.
The Triathlon: 20 winters of going the distance for Sainte‑Justine
Lara, who suffered a stroke when she was just 9 months old, can now walk, laugh, and play thanks to Sainte‑Justine. Resilience like Lara’s was on full display at the 20th Winter Triathlon: participants raised a record $1 million at this milestone edition.
During its 20-year history, the event has raised nearly $12 million for Sainte‑Justine to support research, clinical teams, and families throughout Quebec—proof of what an event can achieve over time, changing lives on a scale no one could have predicted.
© Jimmy Hamelin
Sainte‑Justine’s Grand Ball
On March 27, Sainte‑Justine’s Grand Ball, followed by the Après for Juju, raised over $3 million for the cause during an uplifting evening attended by some 1,300 guests.
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Overseen by honorary chair Charles Brindamour, CEO of Intact Financial Corporation and co-chair of the Grow Beyond campaign cabinet, the second edition of the Grand Ball once again touched hearts and delighted the senses in a festive setting inspired by the wonder of childhood. Karine Vanasse, emcee for the second consecutive year, was joined by her young co-host, Maxime Théorêt, and a group of children who brought the cause to life.
The festivities continued into the wee hours at the Après for Juju.
This success underscores the pivotal role that philanthropy plays in our society: a driving force for advancing pediatric medicine, for the benefit of children like Mathis, the proud ambassador for this year’s event.
Mois des Câlins de Sainte‑Justine
The 20th annual Mois des Câlins de Sainte‑Justine wrapped up in March 2026, with a grand total of $445,000 raised through the sale of “Rose Câlins” Lip Perfectors.
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This year’s campaign was a resounding success, and Quebecers across the province once again joined the wave of solidarity by purchasing a Clarins “Rose Câlins” Lip Perfector. The sale alone raised $345,000 for the mothers and children cared for at Sainte‑Justine. Jean Coutu generously contributed an additional $100,000 to this amount.
Thank you to the campaign’s loyal partners—the Clarins Group, Jean Coutu, and Rythme 105.7—for rallying behind the cause once again.
My mom says that my medical team at Sainte‑Justine wouldn’t have been able to take such good care of me without donors. Thank goodness they’re there! Thank you!
Sainte‑Justine’s Tree of Lights
No child should have to spend the holidays in the hospital. Thanks to our donors, 565,000 lights shone brightly on the Tree of Lights this year, representing a record amount of nearly $2.8 million in donations.
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The Tree of Lights, flagship campaign of the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation, gives donors the opportunity to light up bulbs for the hospital’s children, families, and medical teams, reminding us that the most meaningful gestures are those that warm the heart and foster hope.
A hope that is shared by thousands of young patients from across Quebec, such as Jacob, Baptiste, Jennily, and Jordanne, ambassadors for the 18th edition of the campaign.
I’ve seen it for myself: such specialized care and equipment wouldn’t be possible without you. You play a key role, alongside the teams at Sainte‑Justine, in supporting young people like my son on their journey to recovery.
Sainte‑Justine Youth Tree of Lights
Thousands of students from private schools across Quebec turned out to illuminate the base of the Sainte‑Justine Tree of Lights with 149,220 bulbs, kicking off the 2025 campaign.
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In collaboration with the Fédération des établissements d’enseignement privés (FEEP), and thanks to the students’ tremendous dedication, $755,612 was raised to bring hope and comfort to families facing a hospital stay. For Mathis, a CHU Sainte‑Justine patient and campaign ambassador, this initiative is all the more meaningful because it is led by young people, for young people.
The youth needs to step up for Sainte‑Justine. Because of their amazing health care teams, I’m able to pursue my passions to the fullest (and I have a lot of them)! By illuminating as many lights as possible on the Tree of Lights, we’re bringing a spark of hope back to every child like me.
The Sainte‑Justine Challenge
On October 22, 2025, hundreds of superheroes sprang into action in downtown Montreal and raised a record amount of $655,407!
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In this event, members of the business community took part in a team-building course featuring fun athletic and strategic challenges. It was followed by the Après-Rallye, a cocktail reception where participants celebrated the achievement of their key mission: supporting the children who rely on CHU Sainte‑Justine. Children like Enzo, ambassador for the 2025 edition.
When Enzo was admitted to Sainte‑Justine, hands and hearts joined forces to save his life. We felt that same sense of solidarity during the Challenge. Thank you for being there, for believing, for giving, and for supporting the families at Sainte‑Justine.
RBC Race for the Kids
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, more than 3,500 participants gathered at Parc Jean-Drapeau for RBC Race for the Kids. Together, they raised $861,169 for the cause.
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Among the crowd were many parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren, coworkers, and friends who had been working for weeks to collect donations. Thanks to their dedication, a record amount was raised during this 6th edition!
RBC, which continues to demonstrate its commitment to families across the province, once again provided exceptional support. Thanks to this committed partner, CHU Sainte‑Justine remains at the cutting edge of maternal and child health.
The Cachou Tournament for Sainte‑Justine
On June 2, 2025, the business community came together for the 38th annual Cachou Tournament. Led by honorary co-chairs Julie Doré and Philippe Boisclair, the event raised an extraordinary $1.8 million in donations from generous participants.
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In addition to the tournament at Club Laval-sur-le-Lac, the event included a live auction and online auction, giving non-golfers the chance to contribute to the cause, too. This collective success is proof positive that in a child’s journey through care, just like on the golf course, every player makes a difference in building a healthy future for families throughout Quebec.
Thank you to everyone who, in one way or another, supports research and patient care at Sainte‑Justine. You have helped change our daughter’s life. What’s more, you have helped build a happy family full of hope and plans for the future.
Care
Without our donors, we wouldn’t be able to innovate. It is thanks to them that our teams get to work with state-of-the-art equipment, for example, and provide excellent care. As long as there are sick children, we will never stop pushing.
Getting back to an active life, thanks to Enfant Soleil
In March 2026, Enfant Soleil announced a record $4.8 million donation to CHU Sainte‑Justine. This generous gift builds on a long-standing partnership and will primarily support the continued modernization of the Centre ambulatoire Enfant Soleil, home to the first interdisciplinary pediatric sports medicine clinic of its kind in Canada. Over the past decade, the clinic has developed to meet the growing needs of young athletes with sports injuries from across Quebec—a group that accounts for nearly 50% of orthopedic trauma cases. Dr. Marie-Lyne Nault, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher, emphasizes that “for teens, sports are often their whole world. When they get injured, it all falls apart.”
For Malika, a passionate volleyball player, her dream of a future in sports was thwarted by a serious knee injury. For months, she was forced to replace volleyball practice with physical therapy. Now, thanks to the support of the teams at the sports medicine clinic at CHU Sainte‑Justine and Malika’s unfailing determination, she’s back on the court and stronger than ever.
For young athletes like her, inadequate or delayed care can have serious consequences. With Enfant Soleil’s support, the clinic’s facilities are being modernized to provide integrated, state-of-the-art and sustainable care—helping an entire generation stay active and healthy.
NOURRIR: Making allergy treatment more accessible
© CHU Sainte‑Justine (Véronique Lavoie)
In Quebec, more than 75,000 school-aged children have a food allergy that requires constant vigilance from their loved ones. That significant number is reflected in the long wait list for CHU Sainte‑Justine’s oral immunotherapy clinic (CITO). With support from Kraft Heinz Canada, the NOURRIR program was launched to improve access to care and help families address suspected allergies at the earliest stages through innovative, supervised at-home treatment. Through this initiative, parents can give their infant a precise daily dose of the suspected allergen safely, while receiving professional guidance. In the longer term, the team hopes to roll out this approach province-wide and transform the lives of as many children as possible.
Dr. Philippe Bégin, director of the CITO clinic, highlights the impact of this contribution: “Thanks to the generous support of Kraft Heinz Canada, the NOURRIR program will change the lives of thousands of Quebec children with suspected food allergies. When started very early, immunotherapy treatments are more likely to be curative; they have the potential to eliminate allergies permanently and offer children the possibility of a life free from restrictions and risk.”
Vital support to lighten the burden of illness
Families impacted by illness face many challenges that can leave them highly vulnerable, both psychologically and financially. For example, having to travel long distances can make their situation even more precarious: 60% of the mothers and children treated at Sainte‑Justine come from outside Montreal, and many are from remote regions, resulting in travel costs that can compound their financial hardship.
In January 2026, Scotiabank stepped up to help ease that burden so parents can focus their energy on their child. “When illness strikes, the impact often extends far beyond medical issues,” says Jean-François Courville, President of Scotiabank, Quebec. “It’s an honour to join forces with the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation to make a real difference.” Scotiabank’s financial support will enable the creation of a basic and special needs fund to support families experiencing vulnerability.
By providing support tailored to each family’s circumstances—basic items, legal assistance, paratransit, or specialized equipment—this initiative promotes a holistic care approach that addresses the medical, financial, and social impacts of illness. That support helps families face difficult times with a greater sense of security and hope. Read more
Growing beyond the status quo for the littlest little ones
Celebrating even more victories—big and small—thanks to a modernized laundry room and new incubators. © Courtesy
When she was born at just 22 weeks, Cylia Maria weighed a mere 480 grams. Day and night, her parents and the experts at Sainte‑Justine watched over her. Behind them stood an entire community of donors that has been coming together for years to support families like hers and contribute to Canada’s largest neonatal unit.
Since 2025, thanks to the generosity of philanthropic partners such as the Fondation Jean Monbourquette and the Fondation Huguette et Jean-Louis Fontaine, extremely preterm infants like Cylia Maria have had access to new state-of-the-art facilities. For example, the neonatal unit has acquired next-generation incubators. A larger work surface allows for the use of a therapeutic hypothermia mattress, and a rotating platform facilitates delicate maneuvers. A precise scale also allows for fine-tuning of medication doses, while optimal temperature and humidity control maintain a stable environment, even when the canopy is open.
The laundry room was also modernized, and a positive-pressure room was built to store bedding for this extremely vulnerable patient population. In the hot, humid environment of incubators, even the smallest amount of bacteria can have devastating consequences. For the littlest among us, every detail makes all the difference.
Research
Our laboratory would not exist without the initial support we received from donors. Their generosity plays a vital role, enabling us to innovate, to train a strong new generation of scientists, and to forge ever-closer ties between research and clinical practice—one of Sainte-Justine’s strengths.
Together, we can help families get answers sooner
In Quebec, 700,000 people live with diseases classified as “rare” or “ultra-rare.” For affected families, the hardest part is not just the illness itself, but also the often very complex path to a diagnosis.
Thanks to the support of the Azrieli Foundation, research teams from CHU Sainte‑Justine and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto are joining forces to help them. Through an institutional initiative called DECODE(u)R, they are refining methods for diagnosing rare diseases using the latest available technologies. Their goal: to provide solutions for a growing number of families, ensuring that they receive the best possible support.
Propelling bold and creative solutions
In its second edition, the Fonds Catalyseurs – Fondation Courtois competition, a catalyst for highly innovative and ambitious research, fostered collaboration by awarding a $100,000 grant to two groundbreaking projects involving collaboration between researchers at CHU Sainte‑Justine.
The first pair of award recipients, Professors Yosra Cherni and Mickaël Begon, will combine cutting-edge technologies to help children with severe brain injuries: robotic exoskeletons, which will help the children move, and a brain-stimulation technique that strengthens the brain’s connection to the muscles. The second pair comprises Professor Alexandre Dubrac and Dr. Gregor Andelfinger. They will work on developing an innovative therapy targeting specific mutations in the ACTA2 gene, which are responsible for a rare and severe vascular disease: multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome.
Apart from the competition, a third grant was awarded this year to an exceptional biobank project led by Dr. Sébastien Jacquemont. It will serve as a unique and rich resource for the pediatric brain research community and will open up new avenues of research on neurodevelopmental disorders.
Helping ideas grow, from concept to bedside
Stimulating the vestibular centre of premature infants using a hammock, testing epilepsy medications on “mini-brains” created in the lab, improving access to mental health resources so that young mothers can find help when they need it most… these are just a few examples of initiatives made possible at CHU Sainte‑Justine thanks to the invaluable support of its Bureau de l’innovation. The Bureau acts as a springboard, advancing ideas with the potential to create long-term value—whether they come from researchers, health care providers, students, or staff members.
Since its creation in 2022, no fewer than 180 projects—many of which involve research—have received its personalized support. Its team of experts provides assistance with the practical, legal, and financial aspects of the innovation process, and facilitates partnerships with industry, the community, and academia.
Thanks to the generous support of National Bank and KPMG, the Bureau de l’innovation will be able to bring even more transformative projects to patients.
When research comes to life in the field
The research you support isn’t just done in the lab—it also takes place in children’s everyday lives, beyond the walls of the hospital. Whether it’s evaluating innovative practices directly in the field or translating new knowledge into tools that improve families’ daily lives, Sainte‑Justine’s teams of experts, supported by your generosity, turn scientific knowledge into a force for concrete action.
© Courtesy
Bouge avec moi: Getting preschoolers moving
For young children, learning through play and physical activity is essential to developing physical and mental skills that will influence their well-being throughout their lives. Yet, data shows that children are not active enough, especially those living in underserved communities.
Professor Sylvana Côté and her team set out to address this issue by launching the Building Brains Through Games research-intervention program and its training component, Bouge avec moi (BAM). BAM teaches daycare educators how to incorporate more movement-based and educational games into the daily routines of 3- to 5-year-old children.
Thanks to the generosity of donors such as the Molson Foundation, Sun Life, and Brio Management, BAM was tested in 20 Montreal daycare centres last year. The result? Participating children are more active and better prepared for school!
Building on these promising initial findings, the project is now set to move to the next phase with the rollout of a controlled trial that will expand to 68 additional daycare centres by 2028, paving the way for broader implementation across the province.
© Courtesy
COCO: Gaining a better understanding of concussions
Although young children are at greater risk of concussion, they may not always be able to clearly articulate their discomfort after a blow to the head. Thanks to financial support from the Hewitt Foundation, the knowledge mobilization program COCO (Communication – Concussion) addresses this issue by sharing information about concussions in children, particularly those aged 8 and under.
COCO is designed for health care professionals, staff working with young children and parents. The program is led by neuropsychologist Miriam Beauchamp, a researcher at the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte‑Justine, and her team at Université de Montréal’s ABCs Developmental Neuropsychology Lab. The initiative offers free tools to help identify the sometimes subtle signs of concussion in little ones and support a child through recovery, both right after the injury and in the weeks that follow.
These resources are based on research conducted by the ABCs lab, which focuses on children’s brain, cognitive, and social development. By putting this knowledge into practice, COCO brings science into the lives of young children, making a meaningful difference in their post-concussion recovery.
Education
Donors are valuable allies when it comes to our university hospital’s educational mission. By funding a wide range of scholarships, activities, and tools that transform knowledge sharing, they help us live up to our ambitions for the benefit of our patients. Investing in the next generation means investing in the future.
Training international leaders in pediatric cardiology
Every year, international fellowships enable promising young medical professionals from around the world to put their expertise to work for patients in Quebec while pursuing advanced clinical education alongside local medical teams. These fellowships help to further Sainte‑Justine’s mission of excellence, enhance the institution’s international reputation, and improve maternal and child health care on a global scale.
It was with this in mind that the Dr. Jean-Claude-Fouron Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Fund was established. Thanks to a transformative gift from the Gloria Baylis Foundation, this endowment fund provides funding for physicians from underserved regions to receive advanced training at our university hospital centre. Dr. Paul Bruno Jr Jean-Baptiste, the fund’s first fellow, perfectly embodies this mission.
Dr. Paul Bruno Jr Jean‑Baptiste © Courtesy
Lunchtime talks to share scientific knowledge
At Sainte‑Justine, knowledge sharing drives excellence in care. Thanks to the generosity of physicians, community members, and philanthropic partners, 32 Academic and Research Funds help advance knowledge, notably by supporting training and teaching activities. More than $2 million was raised last year, bringing total contributions to more than $34 million since this type of fund was established in 1988. Of this amount, $6 million is invested in endowed funds, in perpetuity, to support the next generation.
The scientific conferences held on Wednesdays clearly illustrate the tangible impact of these donations. Thanks to funding from the Fonds académique Irma-Le Vasseur, the Paediatric Department offers an annual series of 35 lectures designed to highlight the latest medical advances and innovative practices in pediatrics. Medical staff and students benefit from these lunchtime talks, which are given by CHU Sainte‑Justine specialists as well as experts from Canada and abroad.
By creating a space for exchange and continuing education, this initiative helps the teams at Sainte‑Justine remain at the forefront of their field, benefitting mothers and children throughout Quebec.
Zoom in on Oncology
Cancer is a complex disease; it takes an entire community to fight it. Without philanthropy, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Thank you to all our partners who are making precision medicine accessible to more children.
A visionary foundational partner
Nearly every day in Quebec, a child receives a cancer diagnosis. And every day, families hope for more effective solutions, less invasive treatments, and a better quality of life. Thanks to the renewed commitment of the Fondation Charles-Bruneau, CHU Sainte‑Justine’s foundational partner, these hopes are becoming more tangible.
In September 2025, a new milestone was reached with the announcement of an exceptional $21.3 million gift. This major contribution will strengthen the unique expertise of the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at CHU Sainte‑Justine, a leading centre for pediatric oncology in Quebec. More specifically, these funds will be used to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, advance innovative research platforms, and support the next generation of scientists through scholarships. They will also enhance clinical and psychosocial programs to better support young patients and their families throughout their care journey.
Together, by harnessing the full potential of philanthropy alongside medical and scientific expertise, the Fondation Charles-Bruneau and the Sainte‑Justine community continue to build a future in which pediatric medicine pushes the boundaries of healing farther than ever before. Read more
The Fondation Charles‑Bruneau and the extended CHU Sainte‑Justine family are opening a new chapter together in their shared journey against pediatric cancer. © Jimmy Hamelin
Stronger together
The Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at CHU Sainte‑Justine is a true leader in North America, in both hematology-oncology care and research and in the support it provides to children and their families. As a supraregional centre responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of more than 65% of pediatric tumours in Quebec, it is also home to the national centre of excellence for bone marrow and cord blood transplants. Moreover, it is the first pediatric centre in Canada to earn the prestigious FACT (Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy) accreditation.
When facing a formidable opponent like pediatric cancer, every action counts, and every player matters. Over the years, valued allies have joined forces with us, because it is by rallying together that we can maximize our impact. Achieve what we thought was impossible. And dare to hope.
An approach to care that’s one-of-a-kind, just like Françoise
In 2023, at just 3 years old, little Françoise was diagnosed with malignant spitzoid nodular melanoma, an extremely rare form of cancer that required a tailored treatment approach. As soon as she was admitted, a multidisciplinary team of specialists with diverse areas of expertise came together to provide exceptional care, tailored not only to her condition, but to the unique little girl she is.
With your support, the professionals at the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau du CHU Sainte‑Justine provide care that’s increasingly tailored to the unique needs of every child who walks through its doors—just like Françoise.
Revolutionizing diagnostics through research
Effectively treating cancer starts with understanding its unique characteristics and vulnerabilities. This year, a scientific team led by Dr. Vincent‑Philippe Lavallée made a giant leap forward in that area. The team demonstrated that Nanopore sequencing, a cutting-edge technology, can provide vital information about a tumour in record time, enabling a highly accurate diagnosis.
Using the equipment currently available in clinical settings, this process takes 3 to 4 weeks. Nanopore sequencing cuts that down to just 3 to 5 days. And the best part? This one technology has the potential to replace several of the tests needed to achieve the same level of detail—a breakthrough that could revolutionize existing diagnostic methods. Read more
Improving support for families, thanks to the next generation of health care professionals
A pediatric cancer diagnosis always comes as a shock. Affected families can count on Sainte‑Justine to help them weather the storm thanks to a team dedicated to meeting their specific needs.
Samah Ellithi, a doctoral student in clinical psychology who is part of this team, is the recipient of an excellence scholarship funded by the Foundation’s extensive community of donors. Her research focuses on the implementation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT) at the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at CHU Sainte‑Justine. This questionnaire is administered by a social worker to help identify families in need of ongoing support, allowing earlier and more personalized care.
In October 2025, again thanks to the support of donors, Samah travelled to Amsterdam for the 57th annual Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, which brings together researchers and clinicians who share a common goal: to provide the best possible care for children with cancer. She had the opportunity to speak with the American team behind the PAT tool, expand her network, and showcase Sainte‑Justine’s expertise. She is now better equipped to build on her research, which is already having a significant impact on the families who benefit from it.
Community Initiatives
More and more of you are choosing to join forces with the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation by organizing your own fundraising activities and other initiatives in support of families across Quebec. This year, a large number of organizations, businesses, and caring individuals have given their time and mobilized their networks to organize fundraising campaigns that align with their values. Thank you for turning your convictions into meaningful actions that inspire hope.
Uniting voices to transform lives
What happens when strong-minded women come together around their love for children and music? Ten years ago, Annie Lemieux decided to find out. A loyal supporter of the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation for over 20 years, she had spearheaded the production of a Christmas album and a benefit concert. In 2025, she decided to expand the scope of this charity event.
And so, on November 26, 2025 at TOHU, around 50 women from Quebec’s business community took to the stage for the second edition of the Femmes de tête, femmes de chœur benefit concert, with proceeds going to the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation, under musical direction of Judith Bérard and staging by Pierre Boileau. Among them was Marie‑Josée Coutu, President of the Fondation Marcelle et Jean Coutu and honorary co-chair of the Grow Beyond campaign. The 75 voices of the Petits Chanteurs de Laval and the guest artists—including Ariane Moffat and Isabelle Boulay—helped the evening succeed beyond all expectations, with more than $1 million raised.
“Seeing this project raise over a million dollars and touch so many people is beyond anything we could have imagined. When socially conscious women unite their voices, their hearts, and their networks, the impact can be immense,” says Annie Lemieux.
Around 50 women from the business community gave voice to the cause. © Éric Myre
24h Tremblant: Persevering like Raphaël and Axel
Thousands of kind-hearted people braved the slopes for Quebec children. © Alexe Root
When Raphaël needs some courage, he reminds himself of his grandpa’s words: “I can do it, I’m doing my best.” Born with a chromosome 15q13.3 microdeletion—a rare genetic condition that has caused him to experience several developmental delays—Raphaël faces extraordinary challenges with remarkable resilience, every single day. Axel, for his part, was only 2 years old when Kawasaki disease turned his family’s life upside down. Along the way, he has faced excruciating pain, a relapse, and even a heart aneurysm. Axel avoided the worst, but he still needs daily medication and specialized care at CHU Sainte‑Justine to grow up healthy.
Inspired by Axel, Raphaël, and other children just like them, thousands of participants took part in the 24h Tremblant—this year for 25 hours, to mark the event’s 25th anniversary. The CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation benefitted from this initiative for a third consecutive year, alongside other major organizations committed to pediatric health. This collective effort raised $8,963,451—an all-time record that, like the stories of Raphaël and Axel, reminds us that growing beyond the status quo starts with refusing to slow down.
Investing in the future through the Sohn Montreal Conference
In 2024, Converium Capital’s Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer Aaron Stern had a bold idea: to bring an internationally renowned investment conference to Montreal and use it as a platform to support local children’s hospitals. Alongside Anik Lanthier, Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Richter’s Family Office, Aaron saw his idea take shape on May 28, 2025.
More than 300 of the global investment community’s best and brightest were in the room that day, listening and sharing ideas—including some of Sainte‑Justine’s valued partners. The inaugural Sohn Montreal Investment Conference, presented by Converium Capital and Richter in collaboration with National Bank, featured talks by renowned investors and asset managers, and raised $1,270,000 for the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation and the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation. The success of this first edition reflects a shared ambition among business leaders and philanthropists: to build a better future.
Playing to give with Behaviour Interactive
What if people scattered across the globe could join the movement to support Sainte‑Justine? That’s exactly what Behaviour Interactive, Canada’s largest independent video game studio, made possible.
In May 2025, members of their community—fans of the game Dead by Daylight—came together to support mothers and children across Quebec by purchasing in-game skins for the character of Orela Rose, a kind-hearted paramedic. 100% of the proceeds from these sales were donated to the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation, for a total of $329,957—more than triple what Rémi Racine, the studio’s president and CEO, had hoped to raise. “The success of this campaign shows just how much of a real impact collective action can have. Seeing the Dead by Daylight community rally around such a meaningful cause fills us with pride.”
This initiative highlights the full potential of cause marketing: by aligning their brand with Sainte‑Justine, companies give their customers an opportunity to get involved and help build a better future for our communities.
Planned Giving
Having been hospitalized at CHU Sainte‑Justine at a very young age, Lyette Soucy chose to give back to the hospital that gave her a healthy start in life by making a bequest to the Foundation. Through this visionary act, she hopes to leave a legacy that will give generations of children to come the chance to heal, pursue their dreams, and thrive.
“Children need a tight-knit community around them. My donation is a way to pass on my values, and bring people together to help one another. You don’t need to be super rich to make a difference. Every donation counts,” says Lyette Soucy.
Over the past year, 26 new donors have informed the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation of their intention to make a deferred gift upon their passing, and more than $5.2 million has been received in bequests and life insurance donations.