Giving Back Is a Win-Win
Giving back is a win-win brings together actions that embody Loto-Québec’s commitment to giving back to the community. Both customers and employees have multiple ways to contribute!
Indeed, many initiatives and support or solidarity projects are implemented each year. Through its collective and charitable commitment, Loto-Québec supports a host of causes dear to Quebecers.
Exceptional Athletes
At Loto-Québec, we’re committed to giving back to the community, by supporting athletes living with a disability and portraying them in a positive light. To that end, we’ve been supporting the following organizations for many years.
AlterGo
Including people with functional limitations and promoting universal accessibility for all—those are the driving forces behind AlterGo (website in French), an organization that uses sports, recreation and culture to bring people together and achieve its goals.
Since 1993, we’ve partnered with Défi sportif AlterGo (webpage in French), a one-of-a-kind event that brings together more than 6,000 athletes. It’s Canada’s largest annual multi-sport event. To help people understand the challenges faced by those living with a disability, the public is invited to try out an adapted sport at the Loto‑Québec Trial Zone. Volunteers and even athletes are on site for the event.
Fondation Aléo
Loto-Québec has partnered with the Fondation Aléo [in French only] since 2007, awarding bursaries to some 15 para athletes every year. Through the Programme de bourses Loto‑Québec, the Fondation Aléo recognizes the achievements of athletes with a physical or sensory limitation. Several bursary recipients have made—or will soon be making—their mark on the international stage.
In addition to awarding scholarships to the next generation of para athletes, the foundation provides support services. Its approach is personalized, and athletes’ holistic development and well-being are central to its actions.
Check out the profiles of three inspiring athletes we’re showcasing in our Au-delà du sport video series.
Sofia Fassi-Fehri, athlete – Wheelchair basketball
Loto-Québec x Fondation Aléo bursary recipient from 2022 to 2024
Meet Sofia Fassi-Fehri, a wheelchair basketball player. When her life was turned upside down, Sofia discovered the adapted sports community. It was there that she developed her exceptional talent. An accomplished athlete, she even represented Canada at the Paris Games!
Marian Catalin Barbu, athlete – Para swimming
Loto-Québec x Fondation Aléo bursary recipient in 2024
Meet Marian Catalin Barbu, a para swimmer. Unfortunately, a fracture ended his dream of heading to Paris, but it’s just a temporary setback. This young athlete, born with brittle bones, isn’t giving up, and he’s continuing his training in the hope of making it to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Philippe Bédard, retired athlete – Wheelchair tennis
Loto-Québec x Fondation Aléo bursary recipient from 2010 to 2016
Meet Philippe Bédard, a retired wheelchair tennis athlete. After representing Canada in international competitions, Philippe shares how sport is still such an important part of his life, and how he’s now making a career out of helping people who use wheelchairs.
Special Olympics Quebec
Special Olympics Quebec’s mission is to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. It offers 17 sports for them to choose from and gives them the chance to compete in a friendly and nurturing environment. Nearly 1,500 coaches, health professionals and volunteer guides support them. Every year, between 1,000 and 1,500 volunteers give their time and share their knowledge with the special athletes.
Thanks to Special Olympics Quebec activities, they can become aware of their potential and boost their self-confidence. We’ve been supporting this organization for over 15 years.