CHU Sainte-Justine opens pavilion honoring contributions of Coutu family
MONTREAL — On May 24 the Coutu family were honored at the official opening of a pavilion bearing their name in the CHU Sainte-Justine's new Specialized Care Building. During a private, low-key event, the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation expressed its gratitude for the special ties that have been forged with the family over the span of many years and for their outstanding contributions that have enabled Sainte-Justine to keep developing better ways to heal more children.
The event also served as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Lucien Coutu, father of pharmacist Jean Coutu and one of Sainte-Justine's first pediatricians. Dr. Coutu was an humanitarian who firmly believed in the fundamental value and importance of duty, the Foundation stated.
"Through their commitment to Sainte-Justine, three generations of the Coutu family have shown an exceptional level of generosity. Their pledge to reaching out and giving back to the mothers-to-be and children of Quebec is nothing short of remarkable," stated Maud Cohen, president and CEO of the CHU Sainte‑Justine Foundation. "Our goal from a philanthropic point of view is to make donors feel like they are special part of our community," she added. "This could not be any truer than it is today. The Coutu family have always been on the front lines, helping Sainte-Justine grow in leaps and bounds. They have been by our sides since day one, doing what they can to ensure the hospital develops and thrives. It is therefore a genuine honour to see one of our pavilions named after them."
"From the very beginning, our hospital has been dedicated to the practice of modern medicine and scientific progress. The Coutu family's unwavering humanitarian commitment and sense of solidarity with the children and families of Sainte-Justine have been instrumental in acquiring the facilities needed to excel and innovate in healthcare and thus meet the needs of mothers-to-be and children across the province in every aspect of our mission," added Fabrice Brunet, president and CEO of CHU Sainte-Justine.
Marie-Josée Coutu pointed out that at the root of the family's hopes and dreams is a desire to change the lives of generations of Quebec families. "In the choices we make as a society, we can do our part and do it generously," she said. "For us, family is the most important thing in life. Finding ways to treat and heal more and more children is vital. ... Sainte‑Justine gets that families are an integral part of an efficient, adapted approach to healthcare. We are therefore incredibly proud to leave a lasting legacy here and, in so doing, provide our kids with a healthier tomorrow."
Through their work with Sainte-Justine, the Coutu family have continued to push the philanthropic envelope to make a difference for expectant mothers and children in Quebec.