La Caisse Desjardins donates $250,000 to the Boucher Forest fundraising campaign

Sophie Demers

 

On April 20, La Caisse Desjardins announced a donation of $250,000 to the “Tous pour le parc de la Forêt Boucher” fundraising campaign. The donation brings the total amount raised to $1,189,381.36, which is 63% of the $1,750,000 goal.
The announcement took place at the Samuel Eddy entrance to the forest where Ariann Bouchard, vice-president of the Boucher Forest Foundation introduced Vincent Roy, president of the board of Directors of the Desjardins Hull-Aylmer.
“Giving back to communities is the guiding principle of Desjardins,” said Roy during the press conference. “With this contribution, Desjardins Hull-Aylmer is supporting a structuring project on our territory that in turn promotes sustainable development and health. “Parc de la Forêt-Boucher will be a destination rich in experience and learning. We are extremely proud to be able to collaborate.”
Desjardins is able to give back to support local initiatives through their Community Development Fund. La Caisse Desjardins is a cooperative banking institution that contributes to the economic and financial well-being of its members.
The fundraising campaign was launched on March 9. The foundation will use the funds to create a unifying community-based project and make the Boucher Forest an accessible, eco-responsible urban outdoor destination in Gatineau. The main priorities for the funds are to create paths and boardwalks, develop a 1 km universal trail loop for those with reduced mobility to ensure that the forest is accessible for all, and protect the forest and environment.
“The donation highlights Desjardins’ commitment to the environment,” said Jessy Desjardins, campaign president and Vice President of development and conception at Brigil Construction. “Collectively, we must work together to protect the environment for future generations. Protecting the Boucher Forest is not only for the environment but also for the entire community. I encourage other organizations and businesses to think about the Boucher Forest, to contribute and to contact the Boucher Forest foundation if they want to participate in the magnificent project.”
Bouchard encourages residents to donate and get involved in the campaign, and also acknowledges that the work for the Parc de la Forêt Boucher is taking place on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory.
Residents interested in participating in the fundraiser can find more information by visiting the campaign website http://www.fondationforetboucher.ca/donnerpourleparc
Founded in 2007, The Boucher Forest Foundation’s mission is to protect, preserve and enhance the flora and fauna of the forest. They achieve this by acquiring plots of land and developing projects that raise awareness and preserve the natural ecosystem of the forest.
Photo: Jessy Dejardins, campaign president and vice-president of development and conception at Brigil Construction, Vincent Roy president of the board of Directors of the Desjardins Hull-Aylmer, and Ariann Bouchard, vice-president of the Boucher Forest Foundation highlighting Desjardins’ $250,000 donation.
Photo: Sophie Demers