La Maison Aline-Chrétien
BY THE NUMBERS
La Maison Aline-Chrétien cost $1.4 million to repurpose it from a private family home to a palliative care facility
It opened its doors in 2018 and can accommodate 8 patients through the final days of their lives
A Peaceful Setting for End-of-Life Care
La Maison Aline-Chrétien has gone from concept to reality in a very short time, opening its doors in April, 2018, a mere 21 months after launching its ambitious $1.4 million fundraising campaign. The campaign was undertaken by Corporation des Trois Colombes.
Located in Shawinigan, Québec, la Maison Aline-Chrétien is a palliative care centre that can accommodate eight individual patients, including children, as they journey with their loved ones through the final days of their lives. It is housed in the former family home of the late Shawinigan businessman, Gabriel Buisson, founder of manufacturing company Société Laurentides. La Maison serves the greater Shawinigan area and is located adjacent to the Centre-de-la-Mauricie Hospital.
La Maison’s 15-member volunteer board has collaborated with local palliative care doctors and other medical professionals to ensure it provides the best in end-of-life services and support. The volunteer staff at the home, which include the services of a registered nurse, provide support to terminally ill patients and their families with a focus on serenity, dignity and respect. The building has a lovely view of the St-Maurice River.
Driven by personal experience
The project has been spearheaded by former Shawinigan Mayor Lise Landry who supported her husband in his final days. “I know firsthand how much La Maison Aline-Chrétien will mean to patients and their families as they navigate a very difficult period of their lives. Here, they will find support and friendship in a peaceful and calm setting.”
The board held a number of fundraising activities in the local community where the creation of a palliative care facility enjoyed considerable support. Instrumental in that effort were Aline Chrétien and her husband The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, former Canadian Prime Minister, both long-time residents of Shawinigan. Mrs. Chrétien is known throughout the area for her volunteer work and fundraising efforts. The facility was named after her to honour her many contributions to her community and her country.
“Previously, the Shawinigan area did not have a facility like La Maison Aline-Chrétien, providing personalized, compassionate support for those at the end of their lives,” says Stéphane Lemay, Vice-President and General Counsel of Power Corporation. “This is a compelling example of a community coming together to provide support to local families as they cope with the loss of a loved one. We, at Power Corporation, are pleased to support La Maison Aline-Chrétien and its direct impact in the community it serves.”
