Fighting Bullying Also Means Acting on Health

Thanks to the initial commitment of BRP and its employees, totaling $500,000, the collaboration between the CHUS Foundation and the Fondation du Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie will be able to support hundreds of youth followed by the DYP each year by acting on factors that increase the risks of bullying, rejection and social isolation. This contribution is made possible through mobilizing initiatives such as employee payroll donations matched by BRP, as well as various fundraising activities organized within the company. In addition, BRP’s outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. José Boisjoli, enthusiastically joined BRP and its employees by contributing personally to the funding of this important initiative. This financial contribution is also complemented by a donation of BRP clothing valued at more than $500,000, further strengthening the support offered to youth in the region.

Together, this support will help address essential needs related to dignity, confidence and inclusion, thereby reducing situations that have a direct impact on health and well-being.

“Bullying and stigmatization leave deep scars on health. Young people leaving the DYP experience mental health challenges at rates up to ten times higher than the general population*. With this partnership, we can intervene earlier, support needs that are not covered elsewhere, and reduce situations that lead to bullying. That’s why the Foundation is here,” explained Isabelle Grenier, Executive Director of the Fondation du Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie.

When Bullying Becomes a Health Issue

The impacts of bullying are well documented: anxiety, chronic stress, sleep disorders, social isolation, school dropout, and mental health issues that can affect an individual’s life trajectory. Youth followed by the DYP, already made vulnerable by contexts of neglect, instability or poverty, are particularly at risk when these realities are compounded by stigmatization and a lack of resources.

“BRP and its employees are important allies in the health of our community and long-standing partners of the CHUS Foundation,” stated Martin Clermont, Executive Director. “I sincerely want to thank them for maintaining their commitment and support to these young people whose paths are filled with challenges. Together, we are contributing to this important prevention-focused project. It is a strong example of collaboration between foundations and reflects our desire to be involved in actions that can help prevent the escalation toward more serious health issues.”

Since 2022, BRP has chosen to take action to challenge bullying and has made it its global corporate cause, investing more than $10 million in charitable contributions.

“At BRP, we believe that the fight against bullying is inseparable from health and well-being,” said Élise Auvachez Millot, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Government Relations and Corporate Sustainability at BRP. “This new project with the Fondation du Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie , which builds on our long-standing relationship with the CHUS Foundation, fully aligns with our global commitment and our desire to support concrete actions that have a lasting impact on youth in the Eastern Townships.”

Through the Enlève ton étiquette movement, the Fondation du Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie addresses the prejudices that fuel the bullying experienced by youth followed by the DYP. This alliance with BRP, its employees and the CHUS Foundation strengthens this approach and gives it renewed momentum.

* Data from a study by the Chaire-réseau de recherche sur la jeunesse du Québec.

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