Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

On Saturday, November 2, the sports and social association Les Braves du Coin organized a dinner to thank all its volunteers and, at the same time, to present a $2,000 scholarship to the young gymnast Mégane Lasalle to support her in her dream of participating in the 2028 Olympics.

To mark the event, the evening took place around a friendly dinner that began around 6:30 pm. Speeches of thanks were first given to highlight the involvement and dedication of the volunteers during the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, who raised a record amount of money. Other speeches were then given to mention Mégane’s excellence, perseverance and dedication to her athletic journey. Following the speeches, a $2,000 cheque and flowers were presented to her. The event ended with draws and a performance by a guest musician, Claude St-Cyr, who hosted the evening.

Founded in 1962, Les Braves du Coin is a non-profit sports and social association that is involved in several causes in the region. Among these, more than $5,000 was donated to the Gatineau hospital to help sick children, and donations were made for cancer research, for the sponsorship of children in need, and more. “This year, with Noël à Cogeco organized by 104.7 Outaouais, we had the chance to sponsor a child from the region, in order to provide him with financial assistance as well as winter clothing,” said Jean-François Landry, outgoing president and organizer of Les Braves du Coin.

All donations are self-financed through benefit dinners, golf tournaments and activities. “Our goal is to give back as much as possible to the community,” explains Daniel Laframboise, President of Les Braves du Coin.

The association has over 550 members and includes over 50 volunteers. Many partners work in partnership with Les Braves du Coin, including Suzanne Tremblay, Member of the National Assembly for Hull, Denis Girouard, municipal councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp district, Steve Moran, municipal councillor for the Hull-Wright district, Chapiteau Outaouais, as well as Michel Richard, co-owner and financial controller of Couvre-Plancher Suprême.

Left to right: Jean-François Landry, outgoing president and organizer of the Braves du Coin, Mégane Lasalle, gymnast and Daniel Laframboise, president of the Braves du Coin, during the cheque presentation (November 2, 2024) (MG) Photo: Mélissa Gélinas