IMPORTANT PEOPLE AND DONORS

The word hospice has always been associated with charity, which plays a key role in running hospitals and keeping them open.

The existence of these institutions depends largely on private donors. Most of the building or expansion work at Saint-Laurent Hospital was prompted by donations from philanthropists. Their generosity helped fund not only the infrastructure, but also the daily needs of residents. Contributions come in all shapes and sizes: financial support, and also donations of everything from real estate and plots of land to food or even clothing and bed linen for hospice residents.

These actions are all part of Christian charity, where a form of redemption can be achieved by giving up your own possessions to help others or performing works of mercy. Through these donations, donors show their moral commitment – helping ensure salvation – while benefiting from social recognition.

The importance of these donations goes far beyond mere charity. By supporting hospices, donors actively participate in a model of society that seeks to offer the most deprived safety and dignity through solidarity. Private philanthropy enabled hospitals to operate and survive at a time when they were not yet fully under the jurisdiction of the State.