{"id":11648,"date":"2026-01-22T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fondationlisewatier.com\/?p=11648"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:28:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T20:28:43","slug":"a-2m-donation-from-the-lise-and-giuseppe-racanelli-foundation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fondationlisewatier.com\/en\/a-2m-donation-from-the-lise-and-giuseppe-racanelli-foundation\/","title":{"rendered":"A $2M donation from the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation Commits $2 Million to Strengthen Women\u2019s Financial Independence in Qu\u00e9bec<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Montreal, January 22, 2026<\/strong> \u2014 The Lise Watier Foundation is proud to announce an unprecedented philanthropic engagement: The Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation<\/strong>, a foundation dedicated to supporting mental health, has made a historic donation of $2\u00a0million<\/strong>. This major support will serve as a transformational catalyst for The Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway,<\/em> enabling thousands of women to achieve financial independence, while placing mental health at the heart of their journey to empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mr.\u00a0Guy C\u00f4t\u00e9<\/strong>, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lise Watier Foundation and Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager of the National Bank Financial Team Guy C\u00f4t\u00e9, Mr.\u00a0Fran\u00e7ois Pfister<\/strong>, First VP, Quebec Sales, at Ingenia Technologies Inc., Ms.\u00a0Katerine\u00a0Rocheleau<\/strong>, Development & Communications Associate at the National Bank Financial Team Guy C\u00f4t\u00e9, Ms.\u00a0V\u00e9ronique\u00a0Racanelli<\/strong>, President of the Lise and Giuseppe\u00a0Racanelli Foundation,\u00a0Ms.\u00a0Marie-Lise Andrade<\/strong>, President and cofounder of the Lise\u00a0Watier Foundation,\u00a0Mrs.\u00a0Lise\u00a0Racanelli\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Mr.\u00a0Giuseppe\u00a0Racanelli<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental health: <\/strong>A Catalyst for Financial Independence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In January, a period when mental health challenges come sharply into focus, this donation offers a concrete and timely response to a significant social need. The Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation, which is recognized for its profound commitment to human development, sees this partnership as an opportunity to address the underlying causes of women’s financial vulnerability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By offering this $2 million donation, we are taking concrete action to help change life trajectories. Mental health lies at the heart of the Foundation\u2019s mission, and it was essential for us to support the Lise Watier Foundation\u2019s programs that foster confidence, resilience, and well-being among women. We hope that The Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway<\/em> can reach even more women across Quebec, bringing this transformative approach to new communities. It profoundly changes lives, and we are proud to be partners in this transformation,\u201d highlights V\u00e9ronique Racanelli, President of the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For us, financial independence cannot be sustainable without a solid foundation of psychological well-being. By supporting the Lise Watier Foundation, we are investing in a model that equips women not only with professional tools, but also with the self-confidence and dignity necessary to truly transform their lives,\u201d she adds.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A Measurable and Foundational Impact for Quebec<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This $2 M contribution represents a cornerstone, which, combined with the support of the Foundation\u2019s other partners, will create a powerful leverage effect. The anticipated outcomes over the next decade are substantial:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • More than 4000 women <\/strong>will be supported on their path to financial independence, and behind these women, nearly 2000 families will see their futures transformed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 5 new regions <\/strong>of Quebec will be served byThe Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway<\/em>, thereby expanding the Foundation\u2019s impact throughout the province.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway: <\/em>A Human-Centered and Proven Approach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway stands out for its holistic approach. It is more than simple training programs \u2013it offers tailored support to build self-confidence, develop skills, provide financial assistance and create a supportive network to break isolation. 99% of women who have completed the Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway <\/em>report that these programs had a positive impact on their lives, demonstrating the Foundation\u2019s considerable influence. In this context, this transformative donation takes on even greater significance. It reflects the firm confidence of the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation in the mission of the Lise Watier Foundation. This decisive contribution will not only sustain the ongoing commitment to women\u2019s well-being but also amplify the reach and impact of its programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    We are deeply grateful to the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation for their historic donation. This extraordinary gesture represents a turning point for the Foundation, highlights Isabelle Lajeunesse<\/strong>, General Manager of the Lise Watier Foundation. With this significant contribution, we will enhance our support and provide more women in Quebec with the necessary conditions to succeed professionally and gain financial independence.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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    In this video, V\u00e9ronique Racanelli, President of the Lise and Giuseppe Racanelli Foundation, shares the profound reasons that motivate this major engagement. You will also discover the inspiring journey of Karine Fournier, a participant in the Let\u2019s Start Up Pathway, who regained her confidence and leadership \u2013 breaking a glass ceiling by becoming the first in her family to pursue postsecondary education: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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