Fondation de l’Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus launches Major Fundraising Campaign

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate distribution

Caraquet, October 15, 2018 – The Fondation de l’Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus launched its Major Fundraising Campaign this morning under the theme Together, let’s support the people of our region in their fight against cancer.  The objective is to raise $600,000 over three years in support of a $1.2 million project to develop the Oncology Clinic. With major players in the campaign present, including the Honorable René Cormier, President of Honour of the Major Fundraising Campaign, and Joseph Lanteigne, Chair of the Campaign Committee, as well as a number of dignitaries. The launch concluded with the announcement of donors, including Audiologie Nord-Est ($10,000), C.L. Comeau ($10,000), the Épicerie Pointe-Rocheuse ($10,935), employees of the hospital ($24,114), an anonymous donor ($25,000), the Comité de bienfaisance de l’Enfant-Jésus RHSJ†($30,000) and the City of Caraquet ($30,000).

“Having the opportunity to improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens is strong motivation to contribute to this important campaign. The Fondation de l’Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus is pursuing a remarkable mission that deserves all our energy needed to make it a reality.  I would already like to take this opportunity to thank the donors, staff and volunteers who are already generously engaged in this cause so important to our community. Together, let’s commit to this community-building project – since we’re committed to life!”  says the Honorable René Cormier, President of Honor of the Major Fundraising Campaign. 

Normand Mourant, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Fondation de l’Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus, was very proud to see the Foundation sponsor this project.  “The Fondation Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus Inc. is a key partner of our hospital. We have instigated a number of improvements over the past 30+ years and were a financial partner when the oncology service was established in 2006. We are hereby reiterating our support of this service by sponsoring this Major Campaign project.”

Joseph Lanteigne, a long-term partner of the Foundation, was quick to take up this wonderful challenge of improving oncology services in Caraquet. “As an employee, every day I see how the Foundation is making a difference in the services patients receive. Thanks to the equipment we have provided, people can get quality service close to home. Patients are regularly expressing their appreciation. Also, I am all the more aware of this cause since I had to fight my own battle with cancer – which I won!”

A campaign meeting urgent needs

The money raised during this campaign will enable the oncology service to adapt to new standards and acquire cutting-edge equipment and facilities. These renovations will make patients more comfortable, make it easier for staff to do their work, and optimize workflow. The upgrade will improve care team communication, increase clinical effectiveness, reduce risks and raise the quality of care. Furthermore, the new facilities will free up resources in order to provide complementary patient services and conduct quality improvement and education activities.

“Our foundations are an important pillar for the Network to ensure that our communities, particularly in rural areas, have access to high-level health care and services. Our partnership with the Foundation allows us to ensure a better quality of life for our patients and a healthy future for future generations of the Acadian Peninsula. “says Gilles Lanteigne, President and CEO of the Vitality Health Network.

Patients are our motivation

Above all, the oncology service in Caraquet is 2300 visits per year for chemotherapy treatments, supportive treatments such as blood transfusions, and medical appointments. The over 1000 oncology treatments provided there represent nearly half of all oncology treatments provided in the Acadie-Bathurst region. Rosemonde Albert, a cancer survivor, gave a moving testimonial about her experience.

“Learning that I had breast cancer was a great shock for both me and my family. I wanted to be certain that I would get the best care and be surrounded by skilled staff. I asked to take my treatments in Caraquet, which was the best decision I could have made! Although I had received good care outside the region, I was very pleased with the skilled and compassionate services I received in Caraquet. The benefits of staying close to your family and friends also make a huge difference,” Ms. Albert concluded.

The Foundation can count on strong leadership

The campaign is supported by several influential people who are involved in the community. Joseph Lanteigne, Chair of the Major Campaign and Chair of the Major Gift Committee, was proud to introduce the members of his team having already confirmed their support of the Major Campaign, namely Christina Mallet, Chair of the Family Campaign Committee, Normand Mourant, Chair of the Local Campaign Committee and Thérèse Haché, Chair of the Community Approaches Committee.

“This $600,000 campaign is much more than a renovation project – it’s a community-building project. I’m very proud of the people who are joining the volunteer team, which is continuing to grow, like a big family. I’m convinced that their commitment and energy will be determining factors in the campaign’s success,” Joseph Lanteigne explained.

Mobilization of the community

Work is well underway according to the Campaign Committee. The response to our approach to date has been very positive. The next few weeks will continue to be very busy, with major donations and with a second press conference held shortly to introduce other important donors and partners who want their commitment to be publicly announced.

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Information:
Mona Doucet, Director of Development
506-544-2370
[email protected]