Fondation Bon départ de Canadian Tire du Québec

Background

Established in 1990, the Fondation Bon départ de Canadian Tire du Québec is committed to enhancing the development and well-being of children and adults in vulnerable situations across Quebec. The foundation's mission encompasses offering respite stays and camps through its Base de plein air Bon départ, as well as supporting various community organizations to improve the quality of life for children and their families by promoting healthy lifestyle habits and overall well-being.

Key Strategic Focus

The foundation's strategic focus is centered on two primary initiatives:

1. Base de plein air Bon départ: Since 2001, the foundation has operated this outdoor center, providing free vacation and respite camp stays to vulnerable individuals, including children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Located in the Laurentians, the center offers a natural environment for participants to experience memorable outdoor activities.

2. Charitable Organizations Program: Through this program, the foundation supports various community organizations across Quebec, aiming to improve the quality of life for children and their families by contributing to the development of healthy lifestyle habits and their well-being.

Financials and Funding

In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the foundation raised $3,068,134, enabling over 148,000 individuals to receive support aimed at improving their living conditions and personal development. This achievement was made possible through the generosity of Canadian Tire dealers, partners, donors, and the general public.

Notably, in November 2023, the foundation entered into a historic philanthropic partnership with Groupe Ricochet, committing $100,000 over three years. This marks the first time a corporate partner has officially committed to supporting the foundation's mission over multiple years, significantly bolstering its capacity to achieve its goals.

Pipeline Development

The foundation continually develops and enhances its programs to better serve the community. For instance, the Base de plein air Bon départ has been operational since 2001, offering free vacation and respite camp stays to vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the foundation's Charitable Organizations Program has been supporting various community organizations since 1990, aiming to improve the quality of life for children and their families.

Technological Platform and Innovation

While the foundation's primary focus is on direct community support and engagement, it has embraced technological platforms to enhance its fundraising efforts. Since July 2023, donations can be made through the NIP keypad in participating Canadian Tire stores, facilitating customer contributions during their visits. The proceeds from these donations are equally distributed between the Fondation Bon départ and Jumpstart/Bon départ, except for the month of June, which is entirely dedicated to Jumpstart/Bon départ.

Leadership Team

The foundation's leadership comprises dedicated individuals committed to its mission. While specific names and positions are not detailed in the available sources, the foundation's team works collaboratively to oversee its programs and initiatives, ensuring effective support for vulnerable children and families across Quebec.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no significant recent changes or appointments within the foundation's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

As a charitable organization, the Fondation Bon départ de Canadian Tire du Québec operates in a unique space focused on community support and development. While there are other organizations with similar missions, such as the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, which collaborates with the foundation on initiatives like the MIAM program to combat childhood obesity and physical inactivity, the foundation's close ties with Canadian Tire and its extensive network of dealers provide it with a distinctive position in the philanthropic landscape.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The foundation has established significant collaborations to amplify its impact:

Groupe Ricochet: In November 2023, the foundation signed a three-year partnership with Groupe Ricochet, committing $100,000 to support its mission.

Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation: In 2017, the foundation partnered with the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, donating $100,000 over three years to support the MIAM program, aimed at combating childhood obesity and promoting active lifestyles among children from underprivileged families.

Operational Insights

The foundation's operations are deeply integrated with the Canadian Tire network in Quebec. The 100 Canadian Tire stores and their dealers play a pivotal role in fundraising activities and supporting the Base de plein air Bon départ, as well as the Charitable Organizations Program. This integration allows the foundation to leverage a vast network for outreach and support, distinguishing it from other charitable organizations.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the foundation aims to expand its reach and impact by:

Enhancing Fundraising Initiatives: Building on successful events like the Annual Golf Tournament, which raised over $1 million in 2024, the foundation plans to continue and expand such initiatives to secure additional funding for its programs.

Strengthening Community Partnerships: By forging new collaborations with corporate partners and community organizations, the foundation seeks to broaden its support network and resources.

Expanding Program Offerings: The foundation is committed to developing new programs and enhancing existing ones to better serve the evolving needs of vulnerable children and families in Quebec.