Montreal, October 1, 2026 — The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), celebrating its 20th edition of the Gala des Grands Chefs in Montreal on September 29, raised $793,923 for the Jacques-Cantin Lodge. To mark two decades of commitment to people affected by cancer, nearly 600 guests from the digital and technology community gathered at Espace Paddock in Parc Jean-Drapeau.
“The Gala des Grands Chefs has been sparking hope at the table for 20 years, and has become one of the biggest cancer fundraisers for this community. Since 2007, nearly $6 million has been raised through this annual event,” says Jean-Sébastien Boudreault, Executive Director, Partnerships in Quebec, Canadian Cancer Society.
Influential allies united for a cause
Thanks to the mobilization of a committee of 9 ambassadors, steered by honourary co-chairs Anne Marchiori, National Director, Technical Sales, TELUS and Daniella Toledano, partner, Cyber Security Services, Deloitte Canada, and with the support of 125 volunteers and committed partners, the event has once again shown that it takes a society to take on cancer.
Led by Brigade Chef Anthony Vien, and assisted by the École Hôtelière des Laurentides students, the Brigade of Hope 2026 brought together the following famous Quebec chefs: Caroline Dumas, Christian Faure, Pierre Gagnon, Monik Gilles, Sébastien Laframboise, Kimberly Lallouz, Arnaud Marchand and Paul Toussaint. Guests also enjoyed wine pairings by the well-known sommelier Michelle Bouffard. Together, they offered a unique fine dining experience that allowed participants to travel across a variety of cultures and culinary traditions without leaving their seats, true to the theme of the event: “A world of flavour.”
Hope in the forefront
Hosted by Jean-Philippe Dion, this anniversary edition featured the testimonial of the 36-year-old entrepreneur and creator of the tumour.me app Raphaël Jolicoeur, who is currently undergoing colorectal cancer treatment, followed by a performance of Lara Fabian’s Saisir le jour by L’effet Lara artists.
Exceptional support through the Jacques-Cantin Lodge
Located near Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, the CCS’s Jacques-Cantin Lodge welcomes people with cancer and their loved ones who must travel to Montreal to receive cancer treatment. Thanks to the services it offers, such as low-cost accommodation, meals, transportation as well as social and emotional support, it helps ease the burden of cancer for hundreds of families each year.
The next edition of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Gala des Grands Chefs will take place on October 6, 2027.
About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
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For information or interview requests:
Valérie Taillon, Communications Manager
Valerie.Taillon@cancer.ca
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