Au Diapason Foundation ‘Walking for a Million!’
For its 10th anniversary celebration, Au Diapason Foundation launched its major fundraising campaign: I’m Walking for a Million!
The Foundation is seeking to raise $ 2 million in two years, with a specific objective of raising the first million by the 10th edition of La Marche / La Course to be held on May 5th, 2019.
There are a million opportunities for businesses and community members of Brome-missisquoi and Haute-yamaska to contribute to the fundraising campaign. They can participate in La Marche / La Course on May 5, organize a fundraising event or take part in one already established by a family member, friend, neighbour, or colleague. All
forms of participation are important and make a real difference for patients at the end of life and their families.
“It’s been 10 years since the Foundation was created when construction of La Maison Au Diapason was about to begin. Since then, more than 1,000 patients and their families have benefited from free care in this peaceful environment”, underlined Luc Harbec, President of Au Diapason Foundation. “We must continue our collective efforts to ensure the sustainability of the activities of La Maison,” he added.
Au Diapason Foundation organizes four major annual fundraising activities; a golf tournament, a wine and cheese tasting event, a poinsettia sale and La Marche / La Course.
La Maison Au Diapason recently created a memorial park for the families and loved ones of those who were cared for at the hospice. “We wanted to create a meaningful space entirely dedicated to the memory of patients who passed away at La Maison”, said Dr. Christian Beauchesne, President of La Maison Au Diapason and L’équipe d’accompagnement Au Diapason. “We sincerely thank the anonymous donor who made this project possible. I’m certain families will appreciate this beautiful and peaceful park.”
Inside the memorial park stands a stainless steel tree, created by artist and sculptor Mathieu Isabelle. Over the next few months, the names of those who spent their last days at La Maison since it opened will be engraved on the leaves of the tree. Families will be contacted for permission to include the name of their loved one.
Some 300 dignitaries, members of the Boards of Au Diapason’s organizations, donors, partners, employees, volunteers, families and friends gathered on Saturday for the inauguration of the memorial park, the commemorative ceremony and the launch of the fundraising campaign.
“The event was a real success!”, commented Marie-josée Filteau, Executive Director of La Maison Au Diapason. “Guests were particularly moved by testimonials delivered by Antoine Bertrand and Jean Leclerc. “We’re happy to have been able to count on the participation of Mademoiselle, who performed Celine Dion’s Encore un soir and Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up.”
Guests enjoyed a magical moment as more than 100 butterflies were released. Several families also participated in a picnic, accompanied by music by harpist Isabeau Corriveau.
The event ended with an acoustic concert by Véronique Bilodeau, one of the 24 semi-finalists at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby. The concert was presented as part of the Les Petits Bonheurs 2018 tour.