Following the recent unveiling of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s new identity, it was the Young Leaders Circle’s turn to get a fresh face, starting with a new name: presenting the Sainte-Justine Circle! Committee co-chairs Catherine Sharp and Chloé Teasdale were proud and excited to talk about this transformation.
Catherine, Chloé, explain to us why you thought about changing the name.
Chloé Teasdale:
Mainly because the face of the Circle has changed a lot since its creation in 1999. The young leaders of the day have since become well-established parents and business professionals. More and more volunteers from all backgrounds and age groups are now involved in our activities. The name change allows us to be more inclusive and to represent them all.
Catherine Sharp:
We also felt it was very important to recall that our committee was a pioneer in the Quebec philanthropic landscape. Chloé, as you said, the Sainte-Justine Circle has been in existence since 1999, almost 20 years. Those who built the Circle were among the first in the province to establish a committee of young leaders within a foundation. Our model has influenced many organizations to follow suit. That’s an immense source of pride for us, and we wanted to reaffirm this leadership position through our image.
Chloé Teasdale:
Also, from a strictly visual point of view, this change links us much more directly to the cause. Our mission remains the same: to be committed to the mothers and children of the CHU Sainte-Justine. So it was only natural that this should be reflected in the name of our committee.
Since 1999, the Sainte-Justine Circle has donated more than $12 million to the CHU Sainte-Justine’s priority projects. That’s an incredible success, especially considering that the group’s first event raised $17,000.
Nearly 20 years of volunteer work for the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation is quite impressive! The Sainte-Justine Circle is a truly indispensable link for the future of the CHU Sainte-Justine, isn’t it?
Catherine Sharp:
Yes, it is. And through our four annual events, Lighting the Way, the Winter Triathlon, Sainte-Justine Ball and the Urban Duathlon, hundreds of volunteers and partners put their energy and talent to work for the mothers and children of the CHU Sainte-Justine. We are proud to rally so many people around the cause.
Chloé Teasdale:
Since 1999, the Sainte-Justine Circle has donated more than $12 million to the CHU Sainte-Justine’s priority projects. That’s an incredible success, especially considering that the group’s first event raised $17,000. You can only imagine how much has been accomplished since then!
Those who built the Circle were among the first in the province to establish a committee of young leaders within a foundation. Our model has influenced many organizations to follow suit.
What have been the most significant achievements during these years?
Catherine Sharp:
There have been many! In terms of humanizing care, our activities have helped improve the hospital environment of the Hôtellerie Cachou and offer families who stay there a more comfortable and welcoming environment.
We also made a significant contribution towards the purchase of essential equipment for the perinatal unit and to support research into brain diseases.
Since 2011, we’ve been committed to neonatal care and research. All our efforts are aimed at providing premature babies and mothers with state-of-the-art care and better developmental conditions from birth through to adulthood.
What is your hope for the future of the Sainte-Justine Circle?
Chloé Teasdale:
At a time when a growing number of causes are supported by the generosity of donors, we must continue to spark the interest of the community and keep it committed to the CHU Sainte-Justine.
Every child deserves a healthy future and access to the best care. We hope that the enthusiasm of our volunteers and the public will continue to grow and that it will allow us to make a lasting difference in families’ lives.
