A Catalyst for Change Since 1930
Our Story
From Yesterday to Today,
we Have Never Stopped
evolving
1930
Where It All Began
Amid the Great Depression and recurring polio epidemics, the Papillon Foundation was established in March 1930, originally named The Province of Quebec Society for Crippled Children.
Miss Marie Alida Daigle was a pioneer of the Papillon Foundation from the very beginning, serving not only as the soul and driving force of the organization but also as a mother figure to thousands of disabled children.
1932
Essential Support
The Foundation began its activities by creating an orthopedic service and an adapted transportation service to help children get to their treatments in hospitals.
1938
The First Camp
Miss Daigle inaugurated the Camp des enfants infirmes, which would eventually become Camp Papillon. She wanted to give Tony Shorgan, whom she considered her son and who was affected by polio, the opportunity to experience a summer camp despite his disability.
In its first year, the camp hosted 150 disabled children who were housed in tents borrowed from the army.
1951
Meeting Great Needs
The Province of Quebec Society for Crippled Children provided various orthopedic devices to disabled youth, including arms, legs, hands, feet, and orthopedic shoes. In 1951 alone, it supplied more than $44,000 worth of equipment.
1968
The Official Emblem
The organization officially became the Quebec Society for crippled children and adopted the emblem of the butterfly with a broken wing.
This emblem represents the determination and hope for all disabled children to take flight. Children living with disabilities can be compared to butterflies with a broken wing; they need extra support to soar to their full potential.
1976
A Model to Follow
The first integration daycare in the country, the Papillon Daycare, was praised for its approach to the social inclusion of disabled children. According to Dr. Amy Driscoll from Portland University, it was considered “a model for North America.”
From its opening in March 1976, the Papillon Daycare welcomed 30 children, 15 of whom had physical disabilities. Everyone benefited from this integration, allowing disabled children to break out of marginalization and enabling other children to interact with friends who, although a bit different, were very much like them.
1984
A Wind of Change!
Following the International Year of Disabled Persons declared by the UN in 1981, the Quebec Society for crippled children inaugurated its new headquarters on René-Lévesque Boulevard in Montreal and announced its new name: the Quebec Society for Disabled Children (QSDC).
1985
Giving Parents a Break
To address the urgent need for respite care expressed by parents, the QSDC created the Papillon Residence, which provides short-term stays for young people year-round.
2003
Acquisition of Colonie Les Bosquets in Otterburn Park.
2005
QSDC takes over the management of Easter Seals Quebec.
2007
Launch of a Babysitting Program
The QSDC introduced a home babysitting program across Quebec, a day camp at Colonie Les Bosquets, and a weekend recreation program at Camp Papillon.
2016
Inauguration of the Jean Fabi Early Stimulation Center
The Jean Fabi Early Stimulation Center was inaugurated as a university-affiliated rehabilitation and research center with McGill University, focusing on research development, teaching, best practices, evaluation, and knowledge transfer.
2017
QSDC Becomes Fondation Papillon (the Papillon Foundation)
The Society for Disabled Children of Quebec officially became the Papillon Foundation, aiming to better meet the current and future needs of its diverse clientele in the community.
2019
The Inclusive World of the Papillon Daycare.
The documentary series “Une garderie pour tous” aired on Canal Vie, highlighting the inclusive environment of the Papillon Daycare.
2020
The Papillon Foundation Becomes a Property Owner
The Papillon Foundation purchased the land at 2300 René-Lévesque Boulevard West in Montreal, ending its long-term lease. The building is now named Édifice Louis Coutu to honor Mr. Coutu’s invaluable contributions to the Foundation and to its board of directors.
2021
Inauguration of the Papillon Day Center.
The Papillon Day Center for young adults aged 21 and over was inaugurated, and the completely renovated Papillon Residence reopened to offer weekend respite care in Montreal.
2022
Transformation of Camp de Grandpré’s Infrastructure.
The transformation of the camp’s infrastructure in Otterburn Park, which began in 2015, was completed. The camp is now named Camp de Grandpré in honor of Mr. A. Jean de Grandpré, a great philanthropist and friend of the Papillon Foundation.