The Fondation Maman Dion, a charitable organization launched by the late mother of superstar Céline Dion to support underprivileged Quebec schoolchildren, will permanently close its doors this week. The foundation made the announcement on its official Facebook page, marking the end of a two-decade mission.
A Legacy of Supporting Quebec Youth
Founded in 2005 by Thérèse Tanguay Dion, the foundation dedicated itself to helping children from low-income families succeed academically. Its core mission was to foster personal growth, build self-esteem, and ignite a desire to succeed in school among young Quebecers aged five to 16.
The organization provided direct, practical aid to children, including funding for essential school supplies, eyeglasses, and clothing. This support aimed to remove basic barriers to learning and allow students to focus on their education with dignity.
Family Leadership and Community Thanks
Thérèse Tanguay Dion, a media personality and mother of 14 children, remained a guiding figure until her death in 2020 at the age of 92. Her daughter, Claudette Dion, served as the foundation's director-general and spokesperson, continuing the family's commitment to the cause.
In its farewell message, the 20-year-old foundation expressed profound gratitude to all the sponsors, volunteers, and benefactors whose support made its work possible. The announcement highlighted the collective community effort behind its years of service.
The End of an Era for Quebec Philanthropy
The closure on Wednesday signifies the end of a significant chapter in Quebec's charitable landscape. The foundation, intrinsically linked to one of the province's most famous families, carved out a unique niche by focusing on the tangible needs of school-aged children.
While the foundation did not publicly cite specific reasons for the closure in its announcement, its conclusion follows the passing of its founder four years prior. The legacy of Thérèse Tanguay Dion's philanthropic vision, however, will live on through the thousands of children assisted over the organization's lifetime.
