The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation is proud to welcome Jacynthe Côté as the Chair of its Board of Directors. A mother of three and an accomplished leader, Jacynthe Côté is the first woman in the history of the Foundation to serve in this position. Her love for children is what inspired her to take over the reins. Here is our talk with this woman of passion and determination.
Jacynthe Côté, your history with Sainte-Justine goes back a long way.
That’s true! I’ve always had a strong desire to help children grow up healthy. In 2011, I had the honour of co-chairing the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s Healing More Better campaign with Pierre Boivin and Serge Godin. I’ve witnessed the Quebec community’s great attachment for Sainte-Justine, and I feel the same profound sense of confidence and pride.
What made you choose the cause of the mothers and children of Sainte-Justine?
As a mother, I know how much the unconditional love we have for our children gives us the strength and energy to move heaven and earth for them when we have to. It is also what motivates us to do great things to help sick children get well so that they can enjoy everything that the world has to offer them.
Simply, and in all sincerity, I chose Sainte-Justine because of the love I feel for them, out of solidarity with their parents, who put their trust in the excellence and expertise of CHU Sainte-Justine’s teams, and to help create a better world where children can grow up healthy.
What do you think philanthropy can bring to mother-child health research and care?
I firmly believe that today’s society wouldn’t be what it is without the significant contribution that philanthropy brings. The commitment of each and every player—individuals, families, major partners, companies, foundations—has tremendous power in helping to advance scientific and clinical pediatric research. Today, we are witnessing an exceptional level of community involvement for causes that are close to people’s hearts. And I believe we all have a social responsibility to continue to foster this collective strength.
I firmly believe that today’s society wouldn’t be what it is without the significant contribution that philanthropy brings.
What are your dreams for tomorrow’s Sainte-Justine?
The attachment and confidence all Quebecers have for the CHU Sainte-Justine and its Foundation is, in my opinion, unique. It is rooted in a long history of exceptional care and research that is bringing hope to many. My dream for Sainte-Justine is of an increasingly larger community that will provide even stronger support for its children and give each one of them an even brighter and healthier future. It is precisely for these reasons that I am committed to putting all my heart and energy into this mandate, as Mr. Michael Fortier did before me. He built a strong, forward-looking team, and I am immensely proud to join them in this great mission.
