On November 28, the mayor of Sainte-Julie, Mario Lemay, highlighted the remarkable contribution of three “exceptional citizens” as part of the Prix des Grand Julievillois, namely Lise Rainville, Ginette Tremblay and the well-known comedian, Mario Jean, “who make a real difference in the lives of citizens”.
Comedian and actor Mario Jean is a known face across Quebec but his role as a volunteer within the community is more discreet, although very concrete. Thus, since 2019, he has been volunteer vice-president of the Maison de l’Entraide, where he is involved in the organization’s various activities, notably by hosting the annual open auction which raises thousands dollars for the organization.
Mario Jean has also been a spokesperson for the Marguerite-D’Youville Homeless Night for years to raise awareness of this issue and a coach for the Sainte-Julie Minor Baseball Association. Note also that in 2011, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the benefit of the Mira Foundation.
For her part, Lise Rainville is a pioneer of female mutual aid and community involvement, because from the age of 14 she devoted herself to the community. In 1992, she left her mark by co-founding the Entre Ailes Women’s Center in Sainte-Julie, which she directed in 1998. Lise Rainville also created innovative projects, including Lesencontres de Lise, where she was able to benefit women receive training in psychosocial interventions. In 2011, she received the Lieutenant-Governor’s medal in 2011 to highlight her involvement.
Ginette Tremblay worked for a long time as a community worker and was director of the Sainte-Julie Youth Center for 20 years. She continues to be involved with young people today since she supports students as a specialized education technician and drug addiction worker at the Grand Coteau secondary school. In addition, it mobilizes young people thanks to a committee of volunteers active in local initiatives, such as Marguerite-D’Youville’s Night of the Homeless.
