On June 18, 2025, as part of Marie-Vincent’s 50th anniversary celebrations, we unveiled our Wall of Major Contributors. This symbolic and meaningful installation honours individuals whose dedication helped shape our organization and amplify our mission—one step at a time. It’s a tribute to a community of committed builders and changemakers.
Celebrating accomplishments… and the people behind them
This anniversary year is an opportunity to highlight key achievements: significantly reducing wait times for clinical services, expanding our prevention and training programs, opening a second service point in Montérégie in 2022… But above all, it’s a moment to recognize the people who made it all possible.
Through the 21 names featured on the wall, we honour those who, through their time, expertise, compassion or financial support, left a lasting mark on Marie-Vincent’s story. Their contributions go far beyond funding—they helped structure the organization, expand our reach, deepen our expertise, and build a culture of hope, resilience, and protection for youth.
Real impact for youth
Since the opening of our Centre of Expertise in 2005, over 5,000 children have benefited from our clinical services, and close to 38,000 professionals have taken part in our training sessions across Quebec—and beyond.
For the 2024–2025 year alone:
- 359 youth received services
- 221 parents were supported
- 418 new service requests were received
- Our average wait time dropped to 8 months—compared to 24 months in 2020
These numbers reflect collective, sustained, and often quiet work that changes the lives of youth affected by sexual violence every single day.
A six-part tribute
The unveiling of the wall was marked by powerful and emotional moments, as each contributor was honoured with care:
The pioneers
- Marguerite Séguin-Desnoyers, founder of Marie-Vincent and initiator of the first conference on the status of girls in 1985
- Huguette Bertrand, early volunteer and board chair for over a decade
The dedicated spokespeople
- François Morency, comedian and board member, spokesperson for 15 years
- Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, spokesperson for the past 10 years, who shares the mission with heart and conviction
The researchers of the Marie-Vincent Research Chair
- Mireille Cyr, co-holder for 19 years and pioneer of non-suggestive interview protocols in Quebec
- Marc Tourigny, co-founder of the Chair and of the Centre of Expertise model
- Martine Hébert and Isabelle V. Daignault, current co-holders committed to ongoing improvement of services and prevention programs
The service partners
- Dr. Jean-Yves Frappier and Dr. Franziska Baltzer, key players in developing medical services at Marie-Vincent
- Stéphanie Morin, detective sergeant who has conducted over 800 investigative interviews at Marie-Vincent
The internal and close collaborators
- Francine Moreau, former director engaged on all fronts
- Stéphanie Gareau, former executive director who propelled the organization forward
- Lisa L’Archevêque, dedicated front desk coordinator since 2011
- Stéphane Bradette, loyal service provider since 2008
The dedicated volunteers
- Charles Emond, president of our 2020–2023 fundraising campaign ($14.8M raised)
- Normand Chartrand, board member for over 25 years
- Dominique Décarie, former board chair who launched adolescent services and prevention programs
- Claude Guévin, treasurer and strategic advisor for nearly 20 years
- Jessica Pathy, current board chair actively involved for 11 years
- And finally, Me Jean St-Onge, former board chair who demonstrated unwavering dedication for 25 years. He was also awarded the Quebec Bar Medal that same day.
A meaningful moment
Our 2025 anniversary theme, “Together, One Step at a Time,” resonated deeply throughout the event. Because although the road to a world free from sexual violence is long, we can look back with pride knowing that every step has mattered.
📸 View the inauguration photo album here : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19HfS7hXyr/