On March 27, Sainte-Justine’s Grand Ball returned to La Nesra — Studio Événementiel for its second edition, raising a record-breaking more than $3 million in support of families at CHU Sainte-Justine. Take a look back at an evening defined by both meaningful impact and the joy of coming together.
“Before becoming who we are today, we were all once children,” noted Charles Brindamour, Honorary Chair of the second edition of Sainte-Justine’s Grand Ball. Guided by this return to childhood, the momentous event for maternal and child health invited the business community into a vibrant, imaginative world. Childlike wonder and boundless imagination once again shaped the evening. In gathering for the occasion, guests made a promise: to stay committed to the health of families, today and in the future.
Karine Vanasse was back as MC, along with her witty young co-host Maxime Théorêt, whose spontaneity set the tone of the evening. A youth brigade dressed in colourful costumes once again dazzled guests.
Philanthropy as a driving force
With great dedication, Charles Brindamour, Chief Executive Officer of Intact Financial Corporation and Co-Chair of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s Grow Beyond campaign, chaired the event. His speech highlighted the fundamental role philanthropy plays in our society: a driving force behind the greatest breakthroughs.
“Our businesses flourish in a functional society,” he noted. “And for society to continue to function, certain pillars must be upheld over the long term. Helping make sure every child grows up healthy is unequivocally the most worthwhile investment a society can make.”
Delphine Brodeur, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, in turn, pointed out that philanthropy allows Sainte-Justine to keep pace with an ever-accelerating world. It helps us save lives by being up to date with the latest scientific advances. “In your organizations, you move teams, projects, and markets forward,” she said. “Here, you’re moving lives forward. Philanthropy is no longer peripheral to society, but an indispensable force driving it forward. In a fast-changing world, it puts what truly matters within reach before it’s too late.”
Isabelle Demers, President and Chief Executive Officer of CHU Sainte-Justine, anchored these remarks in the hospital’s core mission, emphasizing that community engagement plays a decisive role in fulfilling it.
“Philanthropy has become essential to continuously improve care and drive innovation, to concretely change the life trajectory of mothers and children. Sainte-Justine’s Grand Ball is a powerful expression of the mobilization that drives it forward.”
Growing beyond so that Mathis can grow up healthy
One of the evening’s most poignant moments was a heartfelt conversation between Mathis, a patient at Sainte-Justine, and his friend Raphaël. At 14 years of age, the two teens came to share the impact Sainte-Justine has had on their lives in a moving testimonial steeped in vulnerability.
“There are many incredible teams that care for me at the hospital,” said Mathis. “They’re now part of my family.” Since birth, Mathis has undergone a series of operations for a congenital heart defect and has been treated for severe scoliosis. Every six months, he has surgery to extend the growth rods that keep his spine properly aligned. With your help, and thanks to Sainte-Justine’s unparalleled expertise, Mathis can continue to grow.
The illustrious Laurent Duvernay-Tardif joined them to honour the journey of children facing daily uphill battles at Sainte-Justine. His presence was a reminder that aiming high and having big dreams for their future allows us to carve out a path that’s larger than life for each and every one of them.
The Après for Juju: the official after-party of Sainte-Justine’s Grand Ball
The Après for Juju picked up where the Grand Ball’s sumptuous banquet left off—in the same colourful and festive atmosphere. This part of the evening saw a new wave of guests join in the fun and celebrate a future full of hope for the children at Sainte-Justine, thanks to their collective commitment to the cause.
A new generation of philanthropists took La Nesra by storm to the sounds of DJ David Audet. Everyone enjoyed the signature bites and beverages from renowned brands in a setting inspired by the sunset at the end of a beautiful summer day.
Together, we can grow beyond the status quo
The success of this year’s event is attributable to your outstanding engagement and the involvement of dedicated committees. The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation would like to sincerely thank Intact Financial Corporation, Honorary Chair of the event, and our Prestige Ambassadors—National Bank of Canada, BMO, ESSOR Insurance, EY, Kyndryl, Levio, and Solera. The Foundation would also like to recognize its Grand Ambassadors—Bain & Company, CGI, CIBC, Ellipse Agency, La Turquoise Agency, Fasken, Industrial Alliance, Marsh, Power Corporation of Canada, RBC, Rio Tinto, Sun Life, TD Bank Financial Group, and Univesta—for their invaluable support, as well as its partners: Agnico Eagle, AWS, Belair Direct, Intelcom, La Famille du Lait, Letko Brosseau, Rona and Clarins.
The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation expresses heartfelt thanks to all donors and guests for their dedication towards this momentous evening for mother-child health. The celebration may be over, but your impact will be felt for years to come.
Want to take part in next year’s celebration?
Sainte-Justine’s Grand Ball will be back on March 19, 2027, at La Nesra – Studio Événementiel. Write to us today at infolegrandbal@fondationstejustine.org for more information.
