William Crooks
Some of the speakers and performers at the April 15 press conference celebrating the Fondation de l’Hôpital de Memphrémagog’s 40th anniversary and launching its 2025 fundraising campaign
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Fondation de l’Hôpital de Memphrémagog officially launched its 2025 fundraising season with a festive press conference on April 15 at Les Enfants Terribles restaurant in Magog, unveiling a full slate of events to mark its 40th anniversary.
Hosted by Jean Delisle, secretary of the board, the event brought together foundation members, volunteers, partners, and supporters to celebrate four decades of community support and to present the year’s programming. “We want to improve what’s happening in our territory,” Delisle said, noting the work of a small but dedicated team of four staff, bolstered by committed volunteers.
The president of the foundation’s board, Charles-Alexandre Pelletier, thanked donors and partners and praised executive director Suzanne-Marie Landry for organizing the event. “It’s been 40 years that the foundation has been helping health care services in the region. Thank you all for being here,” he said.
Dr. Stéphane Tremblay, general director of the regional university health authority and a longtime supporter of the foundation, highlighted the importance of its role in the health network. “Being healthy doesn’t only mean needing surgery or accommodation. It’s about being able to live fully,” he said. Tremblay also praised the foundation’s broader social impact, saying it creates a sense of pride and cohesion in the region.
Suzanne-Marie Landry then unveiled the foundation’s anniversary programming, starting with “La Dolce Vita,” a three-course Italian dinner cruise featuring singer Marco Calliari, to be held on May 21 aboard the Grand Cru. “It’s really a one-of-a-kind experience,” Landry said. Tickets are $200, with a $58 tax receipt included.
The event is chaired by Claudia Lord of the Groupe financier Héritage, who said she is proud to support the hospital and help ensure that quality care remains accessible close to home. “I come to the hospital at 4 a.m. with my kids. That’s why I care,” Lord said.
Calliari, known for his lively Italian music, offered a preview of the evening’s entertainment with an impromptu performance. He encouraged everyone to “learn some Neapolitan” before the cruise and promised a festive atmosphere filled with music and audience participation.
The foundation’s traditional Classique de golf, paused during the pandemic, is returning on June 5 at the Club de golf Venise. The event is chaired by Gilles Pouliot, former foundation president and this year’s honorary president, and co-hosted by vice-president Patrice Lamoureux. “It’s more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of health, the outdoors, and solidarity,” Pouliot said. Highlights include a $40,000 hole-in-one prize sponsored by RBC. A post-game dinner will also be served.
On August 28, the foundation will host a special anniversary evening at the Théâtre Magog featuring Juno-winning blues and jazz artist Dawn Tyler Watson. Attendees will be treated to archival footage, tributes to the foundation’s pioneers, and live music. “We want to remember how far we’ve come and celebrate those who’ve made it possible,” Landry said. Tickets are $40.
A fourth event will take place on Oct. 16 with a free motivational talk by Paralympian Lyne Tremblay, titled Croire en ses rêves et les réaliser! Une fabuleuse odyssée!. Tremblay, who gave a moving speech at the press conference, likened the foundation’s work to a strong and expansive base supporting a high-performance hospital. “Aiding the foundation is like giving our health system a breath of fresh air,” she said.
The calendar culminates in the Souper-spectacle de Noël Desjardins, scheduled for November 28 at the Hôtel Chéribourg in Orford. The evening will feature a holiday market, performances by Magog-born singer Carole Vincelette and the band Shine, and a silent auction including two tickets for a southern destination offered by Air Canada. Tickets are $150 per person. Desjardins is the event’s title sponsor, and general manager Sylvie Marcotte spoke proudly of her team’s long-standing support: “It’s a ruby anniversary—40 years of helping the foundation make a difference,” she said.
Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that the foundation’s impact goes far beyond equipment or buildings. “You’ve helped us improve both physical and mental health services in the region,” said Tremblay. “That’s the greatest gift you’ve given our community”.