We are pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report of the John R. McConnell Foundation. This year, We have continued to honor the legacy of our founder by supporting a range of impactful projects aimed at improving community well-being. Whether through enhancing firefighter safety, alleviating poverty and aiding the underprivileged by addressing food insecurity and improving social services, or advancing health care and education, the Foundation’s contributions reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Each project detailed in this report represents the Foundation’s dedication to addressing pressing social needs. It is our hope that these initiatives will not only provide immediate relief but also create lasting benefits for the communities benefited.
Thank you for your continued interest in the work of the John R. McConnell Foundation.
Mission
The John R. McConnell Foundation supports qualified Canadian charities addressing poverty, health, education, and community development. Guided by the values and life experiences of our founder, the Foundation focuses on three primary areas:
- Supporting volunteer fireman and firefighting initiatives.
- Advancing healthcare, particularly in diabetes and kidney disease research.
- Alleviating poverty and aiding the underprivileged.
Review of 2024 activities and donations
In 2024, the Foundation supported diverse initiatives that reflects its mission and the unique needs of communities across the province of Québec.
Supporting firefighter safety and training
1. Sainte-Famille-de-l’Île-d’Orléans
This municipalities fire department benefited from a $105,644.11 donation, enabling the purchase of decontamination equipment, including specialized washing machines, lockers, and protective gear. These upgrades ensure compliance with CNESST safety regulations and enhance the health and safety of volunteer firefighters.
2. Régie intermunicipale en sécurité incendie du secteur Nord (RISISN)
This organization as an agreement with the City of Alma Fire Department, which oversees operations, administration and prevention efforts for the entire region, composed of the following municipalities: Saint-Nazaire, Labrecque, Lamarche, L’Ascension-de-notre-Seigneur and Saint-Lazare. A $123,298.22 Grant facilitated the purchase of a fire truck, commercial washing machines for cleaning firefighting gear, and a Pak-Tracker firefighter locator system, critical for rescuing personnel during emergencies.
3. Bedford Fire Department
With a $106,860 contribution, the department acquired electric Jaws of life equipment. This state-of-the-art rescue tool improves response efficiency and serves as a training resource for other fire departments in the region.
Alleviating poverty and aiding the underprivileged by addressing food insecurity and supporting families
4. Centre d’Action bénévole Marguerite Dubois
This organization, located in Bromont and Bringham, received a $100,000 grant to Support their relocation project. The funds will help secure a larger and more adapted space, enhancing their ability to provide essential services such as food distribution, thrift shop operations, and psychosocial support for individuals and families in need.
5. Association bénévole de l’Île d’Orléans (ABIO)
This organization, dedicated to fostering volunteerism and supporting vulnerable populations, received $20,185 to fund a community kitchen project.
6. Centre d’Action bénévole Domaine-du-Roy (CABDDR)
This organization in Saint-Félicien received a $10,000 grant to support its soup kitchen and food assistance programs which served over 3300 meals in 2024. The funding helps meet the needs of local families, including foreign students and those facing food insecurity.
7. Moisson d’Alma
This vital food bank in Alma supports over 900 families annually by distributing thousands of food baskets. The Foundation’s $40,000 grant enabled the purchase of a refrigerated vehicle, ensuring the safe transportation and storage of food supplies.
8. Comité d’Aide de Beauceville (C.A.B.)
A long-standing charity focused on alleviating poverty in the Beauceville region, C.A.B. used a $50,000 donation to establish a community kitchen. This facility will provide meals and foster social engagement among community members.
9. Entraide Communautaire Sainte-Mélanie
Located in Sainte-Mélanie, this organization provides food and material assistance to families in need. A $10,000 grant supported the purchase of shelter equipment, additional food items, and holiday gifts for children.
Advancing education, community development and improving social services
10. Metis Beach School
This English-language school in Métis-sur-Mer promotes student development through experiential learning. A $10,000 donation covered transportation costs for educational outings, ensuring all students could participate in activities that build skills and promote physical fitness.
11. Fondation des pompiers du Québec
Phase 2 of the Flambo Project Received $25,000 to develop engaging fire safety education tools for children, such as storybooks, coloring books, and collectible prevention cards. These resources aim to make fire safety education accessible and easy to remember.
12. Batshaw Foundation
Our Foundation provided $21,120 to fund a canine therapy program aimed at improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children and youth in vulnerable situations. The program integrates therapy dogs into clinical settings to provide comfort and build resilience among participants.
13. Centre de pédiatrie sociale en communauté de Lanaudière (CPSCL) – first instalment of a $ 100,000 pledge
A $50,000 grant supported this organization’s mission to provide accessible healthcare and social services to underprivileged children and families. The funding contributed to service expansion in Chertsey and Rawdon, addressing urgent community needs.
Enhancing healthcare access and research
14. Diabète Drummond Inc.
Based in Drummondville, this organization supports individuals living with diabetes through education and financial assistance. The $50,000 John R. McConnell PompeAccès+ Program grant provided insulin pumps and necessary supplies to diabetics facing financial difficulties.
15. Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS)
As a leading research and healthcare institution, CHUS Research Centre used a $100,000 grant (first instalment of a $300,000 pledge) to upgrade MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and other imaging equipment, enhancing its capacity for advanced diagnosis and treatment. This donation also benefited to CHUS Nephrology Department for the purchase of two pressure measuring devices.
General operating support
16. Old Brewery mission
A $10,000 grant (first instalment of a $30,000 pledge) supported this Montréal based organization, which provides emergency services, psychosocial support, and rehousing initiatives to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
17. Mile End Community Mission
A $10,000 grant supported their efforts to provide critical services to individuals facing poverty, addiction, and homelessness, including a food bank, clothing sales, and emergency assistance.
18. Dans la rue
A $10,000 donation support of this organization’s work in providing shelter, education, and mentorship to at-risk youth, empowering them to build brighter futures.
19. Generations Foundation
With $10,000, this charity ensured that children and families and access to nutritious meals and essential education supplies, fostering growth and well-being.
20. The Gazette Christmas Fund
A $10,000 grant supported this initiative, which provides direct financial assistance to families during the holiday season, helping alleviate financial stress and bring joy to those in need.
Pledges 2024
The donations listed in this category reflect commitments made in prior years for disbursement in 2024.
Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Québec)
Our foundation provided the second instalment of $178,500 for a total donation of $357,000. This funding supports the acquisition of a fast rescue boat stationed at the Rimouski Marina to enhance search and rescue operations.
Fondation des pompiers du Québec
Our foundation provided the second instalment of $27,500 for a total donation of $55,000. This funding supports Phase 1 of the Flambo Project, aimed at fire prevention education and community safety initiatives.
Financial Overview
In 2024, the John R. McConnell Foundation distributed $1,078,107.33 and donations, supporting 20 projects across the province of Québec. Through prudent management and strategic giving, our Foundation continues to ensure the sustainability of its mission.
We thank you for your continued interest in our work
JOHN R. McCONNELL FOUNDATION
Per Pierre-Hugues Fortin, President and P. Stuart Iversen, Secretary-Treasurer