Thank you for everything, Annick.

We wish to pay tribute to an exceptional woman, Annick Dufresne, co-founder and first Executive Director of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation.

In 1998, as part of an internship during her Bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Tourism at UQAC, Annick Dufresne joined the foundation alongside her longtime collaborators, François Guillot and Mario Bilodeau. Driven by a deeply human vision and modest resources, the initiative quickly grew, and Annick became the foundation’s first employee. As both the first therapeutic adventure facilitator and the first Executive Director, she was the architect of the organization’s administrative foundations, which allowed the foundation to become the registered charity you know today.

Thirty years later, every day when…
… we answer questions from a young person interested in joining an expedition;
… we write our charitable registration number on a donation application;
… a donor receives a tax receipt by email;
… we are chosen because we are credible and recognized;

We owe it to Annick, who carried out the demanding work required to have the organization recognized by a government authority.

Beyond her entrepreneurial leadership, Annick stood out for her humanity, her ability to quickly build close connections with young people, her remarkable listening skills, and her unwavering commitment to youth affected by cancer. Passionate about nature and adventure, she participated in dozens of expeditions across Canada, from Quebec to the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Her work continues to have a tangible impact today in the lives of more than 850 young people affected by cancer. Mario Bilodeau often says that nature and adventure, when presented in the right way, bring out the best in young people. Annick had that gift — the ability to bring out the best in everyone around her. She sincerely cared for every young person who joined an expedition with us; our former participants who had the privilege of knowing her can surely attest to that today. Annick knew how to create genuine, meaningful, and lasting relationships. With her exceptional intelligence and interpersonal skills, she showed the way toward the unique profile of what a therapeutic adventure facilitator at the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation represents.

“Some people come into our lives and, without really knowing why, we feel as though we have always known them. Like an instant connection, a natural bond. Annick was one of those people. I met her at a time when my life was on pause and upheaval was part of my everyday reality. She immediately became a reassuring presence, like a sister from another life. Even though my first trip ultimately didn’t happen, she kept reaching out to convince me to go on one. “Yeah, but Annick, I’ll be too old compared to the group.” “No way, I’ll be there!” And in the end, she made space for me on one of the most beautiful journeys of my life. She was my mentor, my guide, and my support. She may not know it, but she still holds those roles in my life, and I admire her endlessly for the wonderful woman she is. She taught me to push my limits, to believe in my worth and in my abilities. Life moves fast and we see each other less today, but she is and will always remain a unique and radiant person in my heart. Proof that cancer doesn’t only bring bad things.” ♥️
– Emilie Van Winden, former therapeutic adventure expedition participant

In 2006, this exceptional commitment was publicly recognized. Annick Dufresne became the 10th recipient of the Saguenay Businesswoman Award, highlighting the foundation’s leadership and impact within the community.
Her journey was also recognized at the 23rd Gala Excellence of La Presse in 2006, where she was named Personality of the Year in the category Courage, Humanism and Personal Achievement.

In 2006, she also received the prestigious title “Dynamising Woman of the Year,” awarded by the French company Clarins, becoming the first Canadian to receive this distinction honoring an exceptional woman working with children who are ill or in need. Created in 1997, this award supports women dedicated to improving the lives of children facing difficult circumstances. Since then, more than 90 women from 14 countries — South Africa, Germany, England, Canada, South Korea, Denmark, Spain, the United States, France, Hong Kong, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland and Mexico — have been recognized and encouraged to continue their generous work around the world. The award continues to be presented today under the name Clarins Award for Childhood. Clarins has continued to support the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation ever since, and we are deeply grateful for this lasting and meaningful philanthropic commitment.

“Annick Dufresne is a woman of heart who helped the foundation’s mission shine with passion and dedication. Because the cause of youth is one of the founding pillars of Clarins’ values, we are deeply honored to have supported the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation for the past 20 years.”
— Caroline Morin, General Manager, Clarins Canada

These recognitions testify not only to Annick Dufresne’s commitment, but also to the reach of a vision built with passion, determination, and humanity. Thirty years later, the impact of that vision continues to be felt.

The On the Tip of the Toes Foundation continues its mission with the same conviction: changing the lives of young people affected by cancer by giving them the strength and confidence to look beyond the horizon.

Together. For 30 years.

Thank you for everything, Annick.