La Fondation Sur la pointe des pieds wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Mr. Michel Belley, former Rector of the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, whose caring and decisive support marked the very first years of our organization.
Nearly thirty years ago, as the Foundation was taking shape and striving to bring its mission to life, Mr. Belley demonstrated exceptional openness and remarkable generosity. Thanks to him, we were able to benefit from a workspace that served as our very first office, computer equipment, furniture, as well as invaluable access to the university’s marketing and graphic design services. His support also extended to essential legal advice, which helped build a solid and durable legal structure for our organization.
This ally from the very beginning was an engaged advisor who offered his full support for the development of outdoor intervention and for the graduate-level DESS program in Nature and Adventure-Based Intervention, which is still offered at UQAC today. He contributed significantly to the growth of outdoor studies at UQAC, which lies at the heart of the creation of the Fondation Sur la pointe des pieds.
Deeply committed, he also served as a participant and a precious supporter of the Double Défi des deux Mario, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, which has now been running for more than 18 years. This highly meaningful event still makes it possible today to offer our therapeutic adventure expeditions free of charge to adolescents and young adults living with cancer. He also participated in the Rase-O-Thon Marie-Hélène Côté as Honorary Chair.
These concrete actions, offered with warmth, trust, and respect, played a key role in the Foundation’s early development. They allowed our mission to take root and expand, guiding young people living with cancer through therapeutic adventures that change lives.
Today, we wish to say thank you. Thank you for the vision, the attentive listening, the humanity, and the commitment. Thank you for believing in us from the very beginning. Mr. Belley’s imprint is an integral part of our history, and his legacy will continue to live through every young person we support.
With gratitude and respect,
La Fondation Sur la pointe des pieds
Annick Dufresne (proud first Executive Director)
Mario Bilodeau – François Guillot
Co-founders
And the entire Foundation team over the past 30 years.