Dreaming Big: New Orleans-inspired Lachine Hospital Foundation Gala raises $175,000 net to support modernization and expansion of the Lachine Hospital
A revitalized Lachine Hospital will provide exceptional patient care that meets the health care needs of the entire West Island.
Dorval, May 9, 2023—It was an evening of lively music, a savory creole-inspired meal, and fabulous prizes. The Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel became an ode to the night life of Bourbon Street and the vibrant energy of New Orleans. All for a vital cause.
“This was a monumental moment in the history of Lachine, Dorval, and the West Island. Seeing so many coming out to support the future of our hospital is awe-inspiring. The Dream Big: Lachine Hospital Campaign will help modernize our hospital and ensure continued access to quality health care.”
—François Vaqué, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Citoyen
The Lachine Hospital Foundation Gala raised a stunning $175K net in support of the Dream Big: Lachine Hospital campaign. The MUHC Foundation and the Lachine Hospital Foundation are raising $5 million to complement the $220 million modernization and expansion of the Lachine Hospital. The $5 million will give our health care teams access to the latest cutting-edge equipment they need to heal and care for patients. As a result, they will be able to treat even more patients from the West Island than ever before.
“As a community hospital, Lachine Hospital is indispensable to patients in the West Island. Dream Big: Lachine Hospital will ensure more patients continue to receive high quality care and even better access with its expansion.”
—Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director, MUHC
Attendees enjoyed a delicious creole-inspired meal and danced the night away to an electrifying performance by award-winning performers the Directors Showband, led by charismatic powerhouse vocalists Tony Picciuto and Randi Katz. In the evening’s raffle, a lucky guest won two economy class tickets for anywhere in the world, courtesy of Air Canada.
“The success of last night’s gala shows just how committed the support is for our big dreams to revitalize Lachine Hospital. We are now one step closer to our goal in raising $5 million to purchase state-of-the-art equipment. World-class health care has never been closer for the West Island.”
—Jacques Filion, Chair, Lachine Hospital Foundation
Chantal Richer was awarded the second E. Noël Spinelli Award, created in honour of the late philanthropist and former Lachine Hospital Foundation chair. The award is presented to a staff member or volunteer at the Lachine Hospital in recognition of their community impact. Attendees were joined by Dream Big: Lachine Hospital campaign co-chairs, Hélène V. Gagnon, Peter Pomponio, François Vaqué, and Mayor of Lachine, Maja Vodanovic.
“The energy on display from everyone at the event was remarkable. Dream Big: Lachine Hospital will expand much needed health care services and the capacity of the hospital to serve more patients with the latest technology. It will ensure our community and local businesses are able to access the very best in patient care for generations to come.”
—Hélène V. Gagnon, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement, CAE
Currently, construction is underway to modernize and expand the Lachine Hospital, nearly doubling its size. Thanks to the support of gala attendees, the MUHC Foundation and the Lachine Hospital Foundation are one step closer to bringing world-class personalized and compassionate patient care to the West Island. The revitalized hospital will include a new emergency room, cutting-edge surgical suites, a restful palliative care unit, and 60 individual patient rooms.
“It is wonderful to see the strong the support from our community come through. It is so important for the community to rally around the hospital to support stronger health care. This will ensure an even healthier West Island. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
—Maja Vodanovic, Mayor, Borough of Lachine; Executive Committee Member, City of Montreal
“Being co-chair of the campaign is fulfilling because we’re accomplishing something incredible for our community and for society in general. We are making sure the renovated Lachine Hospital has the equipment and expert personnel needed to save lives. It’s very meaningful for everyone involved.”
—Peter Pomponio, President/Owner Assante Dorval, Managing Director, Assante Quebec
The gala sponsors were a critical part of the night’s success. Thanks to the generous support of Amazon Canada, Aldo Construction, Desjardins and Desjardins Entreprises-Montréal, the Lachine Hospital is one step closer to providing exceptional care to the entire West Island.
“What an evening! Seeing the community rallying together for a common cause was truly inspiring. Desjardins, along with my co-sponsors, is proud to be a part of changing lives and medicine in the West Island. It was an incredible evening, not one any of us will soon forget.”
—Sami Oueldi, Director General of Caisse Desjardins de Lachine