During his lifetime, in addition to marlin fishing, John R. McConnell was particularly passionate about firefighting and police and law enforcement. In his early life, he owned and operated an ambulance service and over the years, he acquired his own fire truck and police car, which is a testament to his dedication to these professions. In 1999 John R. McConnell was appointed honorary captain of the Gaspé Fire Department.
John R. McConnell was diagnosed with Type II diabetes, and he had to make changes to his lifestyle accordingly. Despite his efforts, his diabetes caused damages to his kidneys over time, and he developed chronic kidney disease which required hemodialysis treatments, initially provided at the hospital and later at home with the help of a nurse and some of his closest friends. John R. McConnell decided to raise awareness and funds for diabetes and kidney disease research and advocacy. He hoped that one day, there would be a cure for diabetes and kidney disease.
The mission of the John R. McConnell Foundation is based on the founder’s generous personality, passions and life experiences, namely: To receive and maintain a fund, or funds and to apply all or part of the principal and income therefrom, from time to time, to qualified donees, as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) namely Canadian registered charities which benefit the relief of poverty, health, education and other purposes beneficial to the community, and more specifically:
- Charitable organizations benefiting the community in particular but not limited to the area of police and law enforcement and training, and volunteer firemen and training.
- Health institutions and research in particular hospitals and institutions treating or carrying on research for diabetes and kidney disease.
- Organizations that support the poor and underprivileged.