As part of Marie-Vincent’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we launched a call for nominations to honour the exceptional individuals who have shaped our history and contributed to our growth, leaving a lasting imprint on the Foundation. Throughout the year, these inspiring figures are being highlighted on our digital platforms, as their names are permanently inscribed on the Wall of Great Contributors at our Montreal offices.
Together, let’s celebrate two leaders whose meaningful actions have profoundly transformed our organization:
Charles Emond
Charles Emond chaired Marie-Vincent’s major fundraising campaign from 2020 to 2023. At a critical moment, as the pandemic threatened our fundraising events, he succeeded in rallying an effective campaign cabinet and far exceeded the initial goal of $9.5 million, raising an impressive total of $14.8 million.
A man of heart and vision, Mr. Emond enabled the Foundation to make a true leap forward: expanding our team, significantly reducing the wait time for specialized services (from 24 months in 2020 to 16 months in 2023 then 8 months in 2025), and securing our services as well as multiple initiatives to build a circle of protection around vulnerable children. Thanks to his support through La Caisse, Marie-Vincent gained in capacity, in visibility, and in hope. His involvement marked a decisive turning point in our history.
Through his generosity and uplifting influence, Charles Emond helped pave the way toward a fairer future where children can be better protected and truly thrive.
Stéphanie Gareau
As Executive Director of Marie-Vincent for close to five pivotal years, Stéphanie Gareau led the organization while also overseeing communications and human resources.
By growing the team from 30 to nearly 90 people, she sparked a major transformation, thanks to her network, her vision, and her deep understanding of public and government relations.
Alongside leading the 2020–2023 major fundraising campaign (recruiting Charles Emond, President and Chief Executive Officer of La Caisse, to chair the campaign cabinet), she also prepared and implemented the 2021–2026 strategic plan, during which Marie-Vincent’s clinical services evolved significantly, the Montreal centre was relocated, and the Montérégie centre opened.
Stéphanie became a key spokesperson to the public, private partners, and the government, voicing the organization’s challenges during a complex pandemic period, involving long service wait times and urgent funding needs. During her tenure, she successfully diversified the Foundation’s revenue sources while structuring the organization’s growth with modern policies and procedures grounded in collaboration. Having left Marie-Vincent in early 2025, Stéphanie Gareau is now Vice-President, in charge of the Youth mandate, at the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, where she continues to work passionately for the well-being of children and adolescents.
We are deeply grateful for her commitment and all that she brought to Marie-Vincent.
The Recognition Continues
More exceptional individuals will soon be featured! Let us continue celebrating those whose dedication and humanity have shaped Marie-Vincent and transformed the lives of many children.
