Montréal Passion Vin Raised $1,287,574!
4 December 2019
Pierre Nelis, president of the HMR Foundation board members, Lucie Drapeau, executive director of the HMR Foundation, Dr. Denis-Claude Roy, Director of the HMR Research Center, Catherine Dagenais, president and chief executive director of the Société des alcools du Québec, Sylvain Lemieux, CEO of CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Jean-Philippe Beauvais, chair of the organizing committee and vice-president of operations Plaisirs Gastronomiques, and Éric Bujold, president Private Banking 1859 – National Bank.
The grand Montréal Passion Vin weekend of November 22nd and 23rd overflowed with a spirit generosity and fun. Thanks to the participation of some 1100 guests, the fundraising event raised $1,287,574 to support the spectacular advances in cellular therapy being made right here at the HMR!
Foundation spokesperson Patrice L’Écuyer launched the festivities. “In the past 18 years, Montréal Passion Vin has distinguished itself on both the wine tasting and philanthropy stages”, stated Patrice. Indeed, Montréal Passion Vin is among the most prestigious wine industry events and, once again this year, the greatest wine houses were in attendance.
Over the course of two days, seasoned wine lovers had the good fortune of tasting wines, each one as exceptional as the other, in the company of winemakers who came from far and wide to share their passion. For this 18th edition, Champagnes from Maison Laurent-Perrier and wines from Domaine Laroche, Maison Champy, Trimbach, Château Haut-Brion, Domaine de la Vougeraie, Luciano Sandrone and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande took centre stage.
Participants were especially moved by one guest member of the impressive brigade of volunteer sommeliers: André Papineau, sommelier and wine importer, but above all, an HMR patient. In 2018, he was diagnosed with an incurable bone cancer. At that moment, the HMR medical team took charge of his care and he received a stem cell transplant. “I am living proof that events like the one we are attending this weekend combined with donor generosity really do change lives! Had this happened just a few years ago when research had not made as much progress, I would not be standing here before you to share my testimonial. Thank you all!” declared Mr. Papineau, now a picture of health.
The HMR Foundation wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners and especially to its presenting partner, the SAQ and major donor partner, National Bank, Private Banking 1859, as well as to all the volunteers who took part in this 18th edition of Montréal Passion Vin. Their presence and generosity contributed to the Reprogram History campaign, which aims to accelerate the development of stem cell treatments and help cure more patients faster.
Montréal Passion Vin in pictures
