On the Road | Hundreds of employees coming together to support young people

People who push their limits in support of a worthy cause deserve to be celebrated for their dedication. The Desjardins Foundation is fortunate to have enthusiastic supporters who raise big money to help young people reach their full potential. We’re profiling two remarkable fundraisers that have received lots of support and are an inspiration for anyone thinking about raising money for a worthy cause.

In 2016, a small group of people embarked on a race from Lévis to Montreal to raise funds for the Desjardins Foundation. Eight years later, the On the Road initiative has covered a lot of ground! Nearly 700 Desjardins employees are now taking action to support young people.

The atmosphere was all abuzz at Montreal’s Olympic Park. Cheered on by their colleagues, the 8 runners in the relay race that started in Lévis 24 hours earlier were crossing the finish line. “It’s amazing to see how engaged everyone is!” exclaims Nadine Lavoie, member of On the Road’s organizing committee.

The initiative, led by Desjardins’s Procurement, Accounting and Administrative Services Division, has achieved ever more impressive results—even during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, more than $244,000 was raised, setting a new record for the event. The total raised over the past 8 years amounts to more than $1.2 million. This means the Desjardins Foundation has been able to support 38,000 more young people through scholarships and school programs. A portion of the funds was also donated to the YMCAs of Québec Foundation to offer free day camps to young people in vulnerable situations in Montreal and Quebec City.

Every year, employees who participate in the event feel a strong sense of pride. “Everyone wants to do their part,” explains Nadia Malek, Vice-President of Procurement, Accounting and Administrative Services. “Throughout the whole 24-hour event, day and night, people are sending us pictures of them running or walking with their kids, their parents. Sometimes they bring their pets. One person even brought their llama along! So you can see why I absolutely love it.”

On the Road founder, Louis-Philippe Bolullo, was one of the runners who made the trek between Lévis and Montreal. Participating in the event is a way for him to combine his passion for running with supporting a cause that’s close to his heart. “Academic perseverance and running have a lot in common,” he points out. “You need to overcome challenges. Sometimes things go really well. Other times, it can be a struggle. It’s like the highs and lows of growing up. Perseverance is key to achieving what you want in life, and that’s what we want to convey.”  Nadia Malek agrees. “There have been all kinds of studies on finding the formula for success. It turns out that wealth isn’t the determining factor. And it’s not how prestigious your school is, either. It comes down to perseverance. This is a value that guides the Desjardins Foundation, and we fully embrace it.”

“I’m extremely proud to see all the great things we’ve accomplished as a team,” says Louis-Philippe Bolullo. “We’ve done a lot over the years, and the event has continued to grow. And that’s what motivates me: seeing what next year has in store!”