The needs are unfortunately growing, and the revenue generated by this fund will enable the care team to continue providing the best tailored treatments for each child, notably by maintaining its membership in the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), the world's largest international multicenter research consortium, and by collaborating on several national and international clinical research projects. As a result, patients have access, more than ever, to a multitude of research protocols, which are essential in pediatric oncology.

"I want to thank BRP, which largely inspired the creation of this endowment fund so that its commitment can have a lasting impact on the evolution of pediatric oncology care in Estrie," explained Martin Clermont, Executive Director of the CHUS Foundation. "It is already largely thanks to the contribution of BRP and its employees that access to care has evolved so much here in Sherbrooke. Previously, only 25% of children could receive their treatments locally, whereas now, we're talking about 95%. This is remarkable progress that makes a real difference in the lives of families in our region."  

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An exemplary commitment  

BRP and its employees have been financially supporting the Charles-Bruneau pediatric oncology unit in Sherbrooke since 2018, through their payroll deduction program and fundraising activities. Including the $1M announced today, their total contribution to this care unit reaches $3M.

"BRP is proud to contribute to the creation of this fund, which embodies our desire to have a positive and lasting impact in our community. This act of solidarity is supported by all of BRP, led by our ambassador committee and amplified by the generosity of our employees," said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. "Estrie is at the heart of our identity, and it is with conviction that we will continue our commitment alongside the CHUS Foundation to build a better future for the children and families of this region."

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^{A call for generosity answered}

A committed business leader, Mr. Laurent Beaudoin enthusiastically joined BRP and its employees to contribute to the fundraising efforts aimed at supporting this important initiative. The CHUS Foundation wishes to express its deep gratitude to him, as well as to warmly thank the donors who, in turn, followed suit with their generous contributions, including the D’Amours Foundation, the Johanne Dean and Alain Bédard Foundation, and L'Espoir sur roues Hyundai. Thanks to this surge of solidarity, the endowment fund has already surpassed the $4M mark.

"Childhood cancer treatment relies on research that is not subsidized like in other fields. This research therefore depends on generosity and philanthropic donations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," declared Dr. Josée Brossard, Head of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology at CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS. Each year, nearly 50 new cases of pediatric cancer are diagnosed at CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, and over 1,400 treatments were administered in the past year.

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‍Key milestones  

1998 LEUCAN begins annual support for the care unit at Fleurimont Hospital.
2011 $1M donation from the Charles-Bruneau Foundation for the construction of a brand new pediatric oncology outpatient center.
2014 Inauguration of the Charles-Bruneau Pediatric Oncology Unit, located on the 7^th floor of Fleurimont Hospital.
2018 Donation of $1M from BRP and its employees who participate in the payroll deduction program.
2018 Recruitment begins for additional physicians for the team.
2019 Joining the Children's Oncology Group (COG), which provides access to all research protocols for treating children in Sherbrooke.
2023 Donation of $1M from BRP and its employees.
2025 Donation of $4.7M over 5 years from the Charles-Bruneau Foundation for the care unit.
2025 Announcement of the creation of an endowment fund by the CHUS Foundation with a capitalization goal of $10M.