This text is part of the special section Philanthropy
As there is no stupid profession, according to the adage, there is no useless gift. The amount written on the check in no way testifies to the generosity of the donor, but only to his financial means. Every donation matters.
Émilie Coallier and Lucie Jobin are proud donors to the Fondation Santé Sud de Lanaudière. The two women are not from the same background, their approach to philanthropy is different; on the other hand, their gestures come from the same outpouring of generosity that underlies any philanthropic gift.
When the business community gets involved
Émilie Coallier is the administrator of a family fast food business run by her husband. “The family business started with my husband’s uncle who bought the first McDonald’s franchise,” she says. Then his father also became a franchisee. Over the years, the company has grown. Today, the Lemay family owns six McDonald’s franchises in southern Lanaudière, notably in Terrebonne and Repentigny.
Anyone who knows the multinational with the golden arch knows that it has a specific philanthropic mission, which is to help sick children through the network of Ronald McDonald Houses. “The Ronald McDonald Houses are a real blessing for parents of children since they can stay there and avoid hotel costs,” she explains. Additionally, all Ronald McDonald Houses are located near a children’s hospital, reducing travel. »
But it wasn’t McDonald’s philanthropy that sparked her desire to give. “It’s a family value, on my side as well as that of my husband, she says. Our parents believed in being involved in your community and, if possible, giving back to the community. “Pay it forward” was not just a slogan, but a value passed down to us from our parents. »
A value she can actualize thanks to the fact that the family business operates under the McDonald’s banner, as part of the sale of the Happy Meal product must be used to fund Ronald McDonald Houses. But the lion’s share of money dedicated to philanthropy is raised on the annual McHappy Day.
“During McDonald’s, all franchisees must allocate 10% of the day’s receipts for philanthropic purposes,” explains Émilie Coallier. A quarter of this amount is given to Ronald McDonald Houses, but the rest is distributed as donations at the discretion of the franchisees. It’s a very important day because it’s also the day when we have our highest attendance. Our clientele travels specifically to contribute to this philanthropic effort. »
Since 2005, this family business has donated more than $260,000 to the Fondation Santé Sud de Lanaudière. “It was obvious that we had to give back to the community, and the Foundation corresponded to our values, in particular the Foundation’s interest in the field of paediatrics,” concludes this mother of four children.
A drop that makes the ocean
Now retired from the world of education, Lucie Jobin does not sit on her couch twiddling her thumbs. She is quite active, notably by organizing voluntary activities for the Collège de l’Assomption.
In addition, Lucie Jobin is, in her own way, a philanthropist. “The notion of donation goes back to my childhood, when there was a collection of money at school for the Holy Childhood, she says. Giving is therefore part of my values. »
It was in the mid-1960s, while she was a teacher, that Lucie Jobin began to give to charitable works. “It was sporadic donations, small amounts given here and there, depending on the circumstances and the requests,” she explains. I’ve always been uncomfortable refusing a request. I consider that I have been lucky in life and I therefore believe in helping those who are less lucky. »
In 2006, health problems led her to the Pierre-Le Gardeur hospital. “When I left the hospital, I received a letter from the Fondation Santé Sud de Lanaudière, and that’s how I became a donor. And to simplify her life, she opted for the monthly donation, withdrawn automatically. Today, Lucie Jobin donates approximately $1,500 a year to some thirty charitable organizations.
“I know that I am a small link in a large chain, she admits, but I want to be this link. »