Words are not enough to describe Nathalie Gagnon’s extraordinary dedication to the cause of Quebec mothers and children. A loyal major donor to the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation for close to 15 years, she also volunteers at the hospital every Sunday morning.
Nathalie has been giving for 25 years, expecting nothing in return. Out of an unconditional love for children and devotion to providing a human touch, she shows up every week to offer comfort to hospitalized children and their families. A lawyer who long considered teaching, she loves babies but has no children of her own. But she rocks, cuddles, feeds, tends and listens to them.
Volunteering may be first and foremost an offer of free labour, but it is also an act of devotion that requires the gift of the self. Volunteering is an act of humility and generosity, accompanied by a determination to persevere, with no expectation of compensation or recognition. To Nathalie, volunteering is also a deliberate choice rooted in family reasons. Aware from a very young age of the importance of doing something for society, she soon found fulfillment working with the patients and families at Sainte-Justine in an ethical, humanitarian approach that respects human dignity.
One day, I’ll no longer be here in person, but my legacy will be. For me, a bequest is a way to live on.
Volunteering is an act that eventually comes to an end, but Nathalie has ensured that her work will continue, as will her annual financial commitment. “One day, I’ll no longer be here in person, but my legacy will be,” she says. “For me, a bequest is a way to live on,” she adds. From experience and from having seen the incredible leverage effect of charitable giving at Sainte-Justine, Nathalie knows that after she’s gone, thanks in part to her legacy, children will continue to benefit from the effects of her goodness and generosity.
What future does she see for Sainte-Justine? An institution that fosters both innovation and the human touch, where the tireless work of volunteers and all the exceptionally talented teams will always find a way to fulfill their ambitions to transform the lives of Quebec mothers and children. Until then, Nathalie will continue to make a donation every year and turn up at Sainte-Justine every Sunday morning to make her contribution to the well-being of young patients and their families. Up until the last moment, her heart will be with the children at Sainte-Justine.
Congratulations, Nathalie, on winning the volunteer of the year award at the CHU Sainte-Justine’s Gala Reconnaissance yesterday!
