Thinking of the kids: foundation launched

A new Pointe Claire-based foundation has been launched by a local businesswoman/philanthropist who hopes to raise the quality of life for children in the Montreal area.

Mildred Brunet, founder of the Brunet Health Care Group, Brunet Industrial Medical Clinic and the Brunet Academy, launched the new non-profit organization at Bishop Whelan elementary school in Dorval last Thursday. The Mildred Brunet and Friends Foundation will be dedicated to helping young people under the age of 14, underprivileged ones in particular.

“It’s been a long dream of mine to help the children,” said Mildred Brunet, 83. “At the moment we have three companies that we help seniors and newborns but we never had an opportunity to touch the lives of school children. This is why I started up the foundation so our young children can benefit from summer camps. Also, if they have no winter clothing or school supplies, we will be able to help.”

Kristine Brunet, who took over running the companies from her mother a few years ago, said they made charitable donations for kids’ summer camps before but decided to establish a foundation to raise monies from other sources and expand their reach.

“We would appreciate any funds that could come our away because it’s going to be nice to send kids to summer camp,” Mildred Brunet added.

On hand to support the cause was Montreal police assistant director Pierre Brochet, the community service chief in the western region, who will sit on the Brunet Foundation board as well. He said the Montreal police force is dedicated to helping groups promoting social causes, adding the business sector is an important partner in such endeavours. “It’s our duty to support institutions that improve the quality of life in our community,” he said. “That’s why I decided to get involved.”

So far, funds from the Brunet Foundation have been earmarked for Le P'tit Bonheur summer camp and for a field trip to Mont St. Hilaire for about 35 Bishop Whelan Grade 6 students this spring. School principal Tony Di Vittori hopes the outdoor educational program becomes bi-annual, with one fall and one spring outing.

“This will give kids a first hand experience of the flora and fauna and it encourages a healthy lifestyle,” he said of the Mont St. Hilaire trip.

Chronicle, Jacques Pharand