Yves Roy: following his heart to support the cause
A profile of Yves Roy, board member and major donor
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This article is adapted from the fourth edition of the Foundation’s magazine
The Montreal Heart Institute Foundation is proud to recognize the exceptional devotion of Yves Roy and Sylvie Filion, his life partner of more than 50 years. Yves is a dedicated philanthropist who’s led an impressive career that’s taken him to the four corners of the world. In addition to sitting on the Foundation’s board of directors, Yves has been providing unwavering financial support over the past 10 years through numerous one-time donations as well as planned giving. We wanted to find out more about this generous man who believes there are many ways to give.
The importance of giving back
We asked Yves to tell us why philanthropy is so important to him. “Sylvie and I have been fortunate when it comes to our finances. And because we don’t have children, we want the financial resources we’ve accumulated to benefit other people. This drive to ‘pass it on’ involves organizations and institutions that are very dear to our hearts. I first became involved in philanthropy with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Fondation Marie-Vincent, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Our support for Université Laval came naturally because that’s where Sylvie and I went to university. In fact, our time there changed the course of our lives. That’s when giving back got even more personal.”
Why choose to support cardiovascular medicine?
“I’ve always been interested in life sciences. That’s why my support for my alma mater focuses on their Faculty of Medicine. Over the course of my career, I mostly invested in biotech startups. Meeting former Foundation board members Jean-Claude Lauzon and Henri-Paul Rousseau made me aware of the importance of the MHIF. However, meeting Mélanie La Couture was the spark that really ignited my desire to support the Institute. I was immediately swept up in her enthusiasm for the organization and its mission.”
How would you describe your sense of belonging to the Montreal Heart Institute and its Foundation?
“I am first and foremost fascinated by the human strength behind the Institute. I’ve been amazed by the fertile mind of Dr. Jean- Claude Tardif, Director of the Research Centre, the passion of Dr. Peter Guerra, Chief of Medicine and Cardiology, the vision of Dr. Serge Doucet, Director of Education, and—last, but not least—the dedication of the renowned Dr. Martin Juneau. Their ambition goes above and beyond offering the best care to Quebecers, and their drive is simply contagious. It’s inspiring to know that thanks to research and education programs, the funds donated can make a huge difference here and around the world. In other words, by donating or by being involved in any way you can, you make helping others possible. You help save more lives. I always enjoy taking a moment to appreciate the magnitude of what’s been accomplished in the past 10 years.”
Yves’s heart
If Yves’s heart could speak, here’s what it would say:
“I want to congratulate everyone who has chosen to serve the mission or cause that’s dear to them. To those who work in the field: thank you for everything you do. It’s the most generous way to give, and I’m always moved when I think of the immensity and beauty of your contribution.”
Would you like to contribute to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine? Make a donation today.
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