A $5 million
combined donation establishes the Intact Health Resilience
Initiative
MONTREAL, Nov. 12,
2024 /CNW/ - Intact Financial Corporation (TSX:
IFC) announces a $5 million donation over five years to
support the Intact Health Resilience Initiative, a flagship project
at the heart of Canada's first
Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases dedicated to
mother-child health. This initiative will be led through a
strategic partnership between Centre hospitalier universitaire
(CHU) Sainte-Justine, one of the
largest pediatric hospital centres in North America, and the Faculty of Medicine at
the Université de Montréal (UdeM), one of the first francophone
medical faculties in the world.
The donation combines $4 million
from Intact and $1 million personal
contributions from Intact Financial Corporation CEO, Charles Brindamour, and Intact Canada CEO,
Louis Gagnon. These personal
donations are part of larger gifts from the Brindamour family to
Sainte-Justine, and by the Gagnon
family to UdeM.
"Our support for this unique initiative demonstrates Intact's
ongoing commitment to building resilient communities and actively
contributing to a brighter future. By investing in the community
wellbeing in the regions where we operate – in Quebec, across Canada, and globally – we are making a
concrete and lasting difference for all of society." says
Charles Brindamour, CEO, Intact
Financial Corporation. "This partnership exemplifies how leading
businesses, health and academic institutions can work together to
address critical societal issues," says Brindamour, who also serves
as Co-Chair of the Grow Beyond, CHU Sainte-Justine
Foundation's fundraising campaign.
"For us, insurance is about people, not things. Today's
announcement builds on our solid track record of investments that
enhance community resilience and our ongoing commitment to Intact's
value of generosity," says Louis
Gagnon, CEO, Intact Canada, and co-chair of Brave the
way, the Université de Montréal's fundraising campaign.
"Building resilient communities creates conditions for everyone to
thrive. The critical research and clinical advancements from this
partnership will accelerate health supports for vulnerable families
in Quebec and across Canada."
Using the lessons learned from the COVID-19 global pandemic, the
Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases CHU
Sainte-Justine x UdeM aims to improve access to diagnosis,
management, and treatment of infectious diseases for vulnerable
populations. It will develop early strategies and
interventions to enhance the wellbeing of at-risk groups through
scientific discoveries, the development of new therapies, and by
training the next generation of clinicians and researchers in
infectious diseases. The Intact Health Resilience
Initiative will proactively address the growing burden of
infectious diseases and their potential impact on public health and
among at-risk pregnant women and preterm infants.
Quotes
"With today's pressing social and economic challenges – and the
promising scientific and technological opportunities ahead –
philanthropy is more essential than ever as a catalyst for
innovation. Intact's visionary commitment and the exemplary
generosity of the Brindamour and Gagnon families are creating a
legacy of sustainable health for our entire society and for future
generations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Charles Brindamour for his dedication as
Co-Chair of the Grow Beyond fundraising campaign; he could not be a
more inspiring and impactful ambassador."
Delphine Brodeur
President and Chief Executive Officer
CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation
"Despite advances in medicine and public health, there are still
many challenges associated with infectious diseases, and they
continue to grow. Thanks to Intact's support, and by combining our
cutting-edge expertise in maternal and child health with that of
the Université de Montréal, the Centre of Excellence in Infectious
Diseases will allow us to better serve all populations, including
the most vulnerable, and optimize our efforts in research,
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infections, ultimately
transforming the lives of generations."
Isabelle Demers
President and Chief Executive Officer
CHU Sainte-Justine
"Université de Montréal, CHU Sainte-Justine and Intact are
joining forces to strengthen community resilience in the face of
current and future health crises. Thanks to Intact's vision and
generosity, the Centre of Excellence in Infectious Diseases – which
brings together the expertise of both the University and its
affiliated hospital – will be able to take flight. Together, we
will better protect vulnerable populations against future pandemics
and address the urgent challenge of antibiotic resistance. I would
like to thank Intact, as well as the Gagnon and Brindamour
families, for their trust in our teams."
Daniel Jutras
Rector, Université de Montréal
"This generous contribution from Intact and its senior
leadership aligns perfectly with our vision for fundamental
research, from the lab to the patient's bedside. The Intact Health
Resilience Initiative builds upon our tradition of research
excellence and our unique expertise in developing new antibiotics
and preventing infections. Faced with the growing challenges posed
by climate change and its impacts on health, it is by joining
forces that we can create sustainable health for all."
Patrick Cossette
Dean
of the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal
About Intact Financial Corporation
Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider
of property and casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada, a leading provider of global specialty
insurance, and, with RSA, a leader in the U.K. and Ireland. Intact has grown organically and
through acquisitions to over $22 billion of total annual
premiums.
In Canada, Intact distributes
insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through agencies and a
wide network of brokers, including its wholly owned subsidiary
BrokerLink. Through belairdirect, Intact distributes directly to
consumers. Intact also provides affinity insurance solutions
through affinity groups, travel insurance, as well as exclusive and
tailored offerings through Intact Prestige.
In the U.S., Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions provides a
range of specialty insurance products and services through
independent agencies, regional and national brokers, and
wholesalers and managing general agencies.
In the U.K., Ireland, and
Europe, Intact provides personal,
commercial and/or specialty insurance solutions through the RSA,
NIG and FarmWeb brands.
SOURCE Intact Financial Corporation
