once upon a time...

In a magnificent corner of Gaspésie, one part in Baie-des-Chaleurs and the other inland, where people of heart and action lived, these latter undertook to offer seniors and less fortunate people in ther communities’ certain voluntary services. Respect, mutual aid, fairness, and self-sacrifice constitute the basic values of volunteers with a big heart.

• Chapter 1

  It all started in 1977...

  At that time, Saint-Jean Ambulance established two teams, first responders in the municipalities of L’Ascension-de-Patapédia and Saint-André-de-Restigouche. As these municipalities find themselves the furthest from the sector, they receive immediate help with these first responders while waiting for the ambulance service. Mr. Jacques Roussel acts as project manager of this initiative for our region.

  This project saves lives and provides many services to the population. These first responders receive a call from the ambulance service and arrive on scene first.

  People in our sector were innovative since these groups working with sick people at home became the First Responders that we know today. This is the origin of First Responders in Quebec.

  

  The first Volunteer Action Centre

  

  The actuel Volunteer Action Centre

  

  Mr. Jacques Roussel, founder

• Chapter 2

  In 1979...

  Little by little, other groups were formed in other municipalities in the western sector of the MRC Avignon to offer as many services as possible to the population... This group of volunteers was called Joie de vivre à domicile at the time.

  

• Chapter 3

  The forces regrouped in 1987...

  These groups of volunteers who cover the entire territory will henceforth be called Joie de Vivre Carrousel. On March 3rd, 1987, they received the letters patent. The role of this organization is to help professionals at the CLSC Malauze in Matapédia. They assist people at the end of their lives, helping home nurses in their mission. Paul Leblanc, doctor, and Sylvie Beaulieu, nurse at the CLSC, often get involved voluntarily in their community and work closely with volunteers. This thus promotes keeping elderly people in difficulty at home.

  

  Dr Paul LeBlanc

  

  Sylvie Beaulieu, nurse

• Chapter 4

  Development continued in 1989...

  It was on March 8th, 1989 that the board of directors of the Joie de Vivre Carrousel group decided to become a Volunteer Centre which would henceforth bear the name Ascension Escuminac Volunteer Action Centre. On June 13th, 1989, the organization was officially registered and received its letters patent.

  
  The members of the board of directors at that time were: Claude Ferguson, Marie-Jeanne Gagné, Françoise Gédéon, Véronique Pelletier, Sylvie Thériault, Martial Poirier, Gisèle Lagacé, France Cellard and Jacques Roussel.

  

  Our old logo

• Chapter 5

  Here we are today in 2023-2024

  30 years later and the story continues!