This text is part of the special section Philanthropy
After 32 years of existence in the service of a healthcare establishment which celebrated its 60th birthday on March 9, the Saint-Eustache Hospital Foundation is not lacking in challenges and projects. Chance of the calendar, the interview with Lyne Des Trois Maisons takes place one year to the day after her entry into office.
Twelve months later, her enthusiasm seems as strong as when she arrived, she who had long dreamed of working at the Foundation, but who had no particular skills in philanthropy. Up to a point, this was a valuable asset. Established in Saint-Eustache for more than two decades, head of the communications department of the CSSS du Lac-des-Deux-Montagnes from 2010 to 2015, she was already collaborating in the activities of the organization. When she was hired, her arrival was described as a “wind of freshness”, and she does everything to maintain its power. Even if his arrival was marked by months of remote work, an unfavorable context for fundraising activities (last year, the plan for the golf tournament changed four times due to health measures) and a hospital staff out of breath, she stays the course, with her personal touch.
Phenomenal growth
“I never forget our primary mission: to acquire state-of-the-art equipment and improve local care for a population of 300,000 people,” emphasizes Lyne Des Trois Maisons. But after more than two years of pandemic, and that, I make it a personal mission, we must also take care of the employees. »
With this in mind, a series of simple gestures, such as offering flowers, coffee or cupcakes, has made it possible to establish a privileged contact with them, and to take the measure of their devotion, which has sometimes been put to the test in the last two years. It was also an opportunity for employees to put a face to the Foundation, and for others to finally discover its existence.
“Many people know us, underlines the director, but the next generation is present, and there are several young employees who did not know who we were. »
Hence the importance of making the Foundation’s presence more felt, as it plays a significant role in the daily lives of these workers, who often handle equipment or work in premises paid for with contributions from donors. Especially since the establishment has experienced phenomenal growth, like the region, as evidenced by the many expansions carried out over the decades. While there were 2,703 visitors in 1962, there were 48,500 in 2019-2020. The same growth is observed for births, which rose from 645 in 1963 to 1,500 in 2021.
This expansion is also reflected in the diversity of services offered, even if a hospital the size of Saint-Eustache, with an annual budget of $190 million, cannot compete with certain Montreal establishments, including those affiliated with a university. . But thanks to the Foundation, it is not only possible for it to increase the quantity and quality of care given on site, but also to establish better links with other establishments. For example, thanks to the recent acquisition of a pediatric stretcher, the Hospital can safely transfer newborn babies requiring specialized care to the CHU Sainte-Justine, an investment of $31,000 entirely borne by the Foundation.
A work of listening and balance
If it were up to Lyne Des Trois Maisons, her calendar would be overflowing with activities, and she would be even more generous. But his job is also one of listening and balancing the numerous demands and the financial capacity of his organization.
“Each department establishes its list of priorities in terms of equipment; this year, it represents a total amount of $1.3 million. However, the amount donated each year by the Foundation to the Saint-Eustache hospital varies between $300,000 and $500,000. Since its inception, it should be noted, the Foundation has donated more than $20 million. »
Limiting its capacity for direct action, the pandemic is creating certain difficulties in meeting with donors. But that did not dampen their desire to support the cause of “their” hospital, notes, relieved, Lyne Des Trois Maisons.
“You only have to look at the numbers to see how generous people have been during this difficult time. And when they are treated here, their recognition, they show it even more. »