Outaouais Philanthropy foundation

About

Mission

Outaouais Philanthropy is a foundation created by and for the people of Outaouais. Its goal is to support the development of foundations and organizations in the region by providing them with access to additional and complementary resources. Outaouais Philanthropy Foundation operates within a strong and recognized national network that offers support and assistance. Our vision is to support initiatives that foster the development of strong, proud, vibrant, and diverse communities in Outaouais.

Vision

To be a trusted partner that facilitates impactful philanthropy and drives systemic and sustainable positive change. Our objectives are to PROMOTE the development of a philanthropic culture in Outaouais,to STRENGTHEN community development capacity through innovative and effective methods, to GATHER & SHARE knowledge and community needs to better address them and to ENCOURAGE initiatives that help Outaouais reach its full potential.

Our Board of Directors

M. Rock Poulin

M. Rock Poulin

President

Biography

With over 30 years of experience in insurance solutions, Rock excels in complex financial strategies. Actively involved in his community, he supports the young business community and co-founded Outaouais Philanthropy while serving on the board of One Better World. Enthusiastic, generous, and determined, he constantly generates ideas and projects aimed at creating wealth. His passion and energy define everything he undertakes.

Mr. Philippe Coderre

Mr. Philippe Coderre

Vice President

Biography

Me Philippe Coderre, a labor and employment lawyer since 2013, founded Coderre Avocats in 2020. Highly engaged in his community, he simplifies legal topics on 104.7 FM, gives conferences, and teaches at the Bar School to train future lawyers. Passionate about philanthropy, he supports various causes and encourages wealth redistribution in his region. His career reflects a balance between legal expertise, knowledge-sharing, and social commitment.

Ms. Claire Gosselin-Gagnon

Ms. Claire Gosselin-Gagnon

Treasurer

Biography

Claire Gosselin-Gagnon is a cooperative and mutual business advisor at CQCM. She has been involved with Outaouais Philanthropy as Treasurer since 2022, combining her passion for finance with community well-being. With 15 years of experience as a business manager, she aims to make Outaouais Philanthropy a powerful lever for regional development.

Ms. Nicole Desroches

Ms. Nicole Desroches

Secretary

Biography

A former teacher, Nicole DesRoches has been dedicated to environmental and community causes in the Collines region since 1979. As director of CREDDO for several years, she worked on sustainable development, the protection of the Ottawa River, and the preservation of green spaces. A founding member and leader in numerous initiatives, she remains involved in various committees even in retirement. She also enjoys spending time with family, reading, and walking.

Mr. Benoit Delage

Mr. Benoit Delage

Board member

Biography

Since August 2014, Benoit has played a key role in the strategic repositioning of CREDDO alongside the Board of Directors. He actively mobilizes Outaouais stakeholders around issues like waste management, sustainable development, and climate change adaptation. Deeply committed to his community, he collaborates with various partners to develop impactful projects fostering a sustainable future. His belief in collective power drives his actions for a positive impact in the region.

Mr. Olivier Laberge

Mr. Olivier Laberge

Board member

Biography

Olivier is a financial security advisor specializing in supporting entrepreneurs and young professionals with financial strategies. Actively involved in his community, he serves on the board of Maison Mathieu Froment-Savoie and founded the Outaouais Young Philanthropists Network. Recently a new father, he balances professional and personal life with enthusiasm. He also contributed to the development of La Trousse, an exclusive solution for PPTA.

Mr. Bernard Malo

Mr. Bernard Malo

Board member

Biography

An engineer by training with a master’s degree in physical engineering, Bernard worked as a researcher for several years at the Communications Research Centre in Ottawa. He later co-founded a fiber optics company that primarily sold its products internationally. Since 2004, he has been involved in philanthropy, co-founding the C.A.R.M.E.N. Foundation with his wife to provide free services to people with serious illnesses.

Mr. Janick St-Georges

Mr. Janick St-Georges

Board member

Biography

Passionate about design and creativity, Janick stands out for his strategic and artistic approach, having shaped the brand image of over 200 businesses, including the Canadian Tourism Industry Association and Bauer Canada. Since 2020, he has designed integrated campaigns for Impératif français with a human-centered approach. Simultaneously, he remains actively engaged in his community, particularly with the Outaouais Alzheimer’s Society and Moisson Outaouais. His constant creativity makes him a key player in regional dynamism.

Ms. Diane Tremblay

Ms. Diane Tremblay

Board member

Biography

Born in 1948 in Blue Sea, Diane Tremblay is an activist and slam poet living in Gatineau since 2001, inspired by nature and feminism. She entered the Outaouais slam scene in 2011 to advocate for social rights through her poetry. In 2021, she published Née parmi les arbres, followed by Rester debout! Poésie du quotidienin 2024, exploring intimate themes related to the pandemic. Still active, she will participate in the Traces Arts Visuels artist residency in September 2024, affirming her role in the cultural landscape.

Our team

Mrs. Catia Céméus

Mrs. Catia Céméus

Executive Director

Biography

Catia Céméus is an entrepreneur, trainer, and philanthropist from the National Capital Region. Founder and director of Conception et production d’événements Kimdja inc., she has over 10 years of experience managing large-scale events for businesses and francophone organizations. Her approach, combining creativity and excellence, has made Kimdja a reference in the event industry.

Former Executive Director of the RGA and a Bernard GrandMaître Award nominee, Catia stands out for her leadership and community engagement. She launched Les Mardis Philanthropes, an initiative blending networking and nonprofit support.

Recognized for her contributions to the business community and the development of francophone communities, she continues to inspire and mobilize her network.

Catia joined the Outaouais Philanthropy Foundation team in August 2023, becoming its first-ever Executive Director.

Our Committees

Finance Committee

Objectives :

Work with the executive management to ensure FPO’s financial health and review budgets and tax documents.

Members :

  • Nicole Desroches (Secretary)
  • Claire Gosselin-Gagnon (Treasurer)
Strategic Revenue Development Committee

Objectives :

Work with the executive management to ensure FPO’s financial health and review budgets and tax documents.

Members :

  • Rock Poulin (President)
  • Nicole Desroches (Secretary)
  • Claire Gosselin-Gagnon (Treasurer)
  • Bernard Malo (Board member)
  • Diane Tremblay (Board member)
Young Philanthropists Committee

Members :

  • Olivier Laberge (Board member)
  • Janick St-Georges (Board member)
  • Stéphanie Chauret – Métanox (Volunteer)
  • Jonathan Strasbourg – Espace CPA (Volunteer)
  • Jean-François Lépine – IPA SANTÉ (Volunteer)
  • Julie Moffat – Grands feux du casino (Volunteer)
Philanthropic Development Committee

Objectives :

Discuss the state of philanthropy in Outaouais, identify priority needs, and advise the board to align community support accordingly.

Members :

  • Nicole Desroches (Secretary)
  • Bernard Malo (Board member)
  • Diane Tremblay (Board member)
Endowment Fund Creation Committee

Objectives :

Establish procedures for unrecognized beneficiaries and meet with potential fund creators.

Members :

  • Rock Poulin (President)
  • Philippe Coderre (Vice-president)
  • Daniel Brunette (Volunteer)