Montreal, January 30, 2026 — For a second year, over 100 people from the sports, Canadian Armed Forces, business, and performing arts communities gathered on January 27th to launch shared conversations about life transitions that often disrupt plans! The Great Transitions evening is an event organized by Quatre-Chemins that brought together four panelists whose experiences strongly resonated with those currently experiencing transitions.
The intention of the "Grandes Transitions" evenings is to create a welcoming environment to democratize conversation around career transitions. A first step towards sharing and embracing experiences to prepare for these major upheavals.
And mission accomplished, the evening around a virtual fire allowed dozens of people to initiate discussions on the common topic of transitions, a subject rarely addressed. The panelists Marie-Lou Morin, a top-level synchronized swimmer, now retired from her sport, and a recipient of the Fondation Aléo scholarship, Jinny Jessica Jacinto, circus performer who underwent a career transition, Benoit Bousquet entrepreneur since always who reinvented himself, and Pierre Gladu, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, released since 2014 for medical reasons, generously shared their journeys and how these paths were experienced from the inside. These testimonials also described how Quatre-Chemins and its interveners were able to support them in reaching their current point of equilibrium.
Event Partners Aléo Foundation, the organization The Trail while Desjardins they not only offered their financial support but also made a point of being present and surrounding themselves with people who are or will soon be going through crucial professional moments.
Citations:
«Once again this year, I am touched to see so many new people come out so that together we can democratize the conversation around the notion of transition. I am very happy to be able to collaborate with our partners at the Aléo Foundation, Sentier, and Desjardins to organize this annual event.»
– Cassandra Poudrier, General Manager Quatre-Chemins
«Le Sentier was pleased, once again this year, to be a partner of the »Soirée Les Grandes Transitions" alongside Quatre-Chemins, the Aléo Foundation, and Desjardins. The fact that nearly a hundred people attended despite the weather clearly shows that this type of public conversation is necessary. For the members of the veteran community we support, as well as for individuals from other performance backgrounds, it is valuable to realize that no matter where you come from or what you are transitioning to, what you are experiencing is normal and deeply human.»
– Chloé Deraiche, General Manager Le Sentier
«Desjardins is proud to have once again participated in the »Soirée grandes Transitions" (Great Transitions Evening), a powerful moment of sharing and authenticity that reminds us how much transition periods are part of the human experience and how much support can make a real difference. We commend the essential work of Quatre-Chemins, as well as the valuable collaboration of Le Sentier and the Aléo Foundation.»
– Jo-Annie Doré, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition and Mobility
«We are absolutely convinced that the accomplishments of our student-athletes during their time with us make them prime candidates for the job market, standout recruits, and gems for anyone who has the pleasure of working with them. However, transitioning from their athletic careers to professional ones requires support. This transition is at the heart of our mission at the Aléo Foundation. We offer lifelong support services to all our recipients, and being present during their journey toward their next life stages is a pivotal moment for us, during which we deploy crucial professional services.»
– Patricia Demers, Executive Director of the Aléo Foundation
About Four-Paths
Quatre-Chemins' mission is to transform the transition experience for individuals from backgrounds where performance is highly valued, such as the Canadian Armed Forces, sports, business, and performing arts. Through workshops, conferences, and programs that foster the meeting of different environments and perspectives, we support and equip members of our community during their transitions so that the next phase of their lives is synonymous with coherence and peace.
About The Trail
The Trail: An Ally in the Transition to Civilian Life
Le Sentier is a space dedicated to veterans who wish to transition smoothly into civilian life. With our four service points across Quebec, we offer personalized support that meets the unique needs of each individual. Our services include tailored psychosocial interventions, administrative support, secure temporary housing, and various programs such as music, yoga, integration volunteering, and creative arts, all designed to enhance overall well-being. Whether it's finding resources, sharing experiences, or exploring new opportunities, Le Sentier is here to support the veteran community every step of the way during their transition.
About the Aléo Foundation
The Aléo Foundation's mission is to maximize the full potential of as many outstanding student-athletes as possible from all backgrounds, in order to generate significant and lasting impact. Created in 1985, it has awarded over $25 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 student-athletes from across Quebec. In addition to these scholarships, there is an essential component of services provided for life to all recipients during and after their athletic and academic careers. To support these mentoring services, the Aléo Research Chairis now a vector for scientific results available to the entire sports community here.
The fundraising campaign Generations of Impact Its goal is to raise six million dollars in three years to move closer to our great vision: that student-athletes of excellence enrich society through their current and future leadership, both through their exceptional contributions and the inspiring examples they embody.
