The Uni-Aide Foundation was created in 1992 by a group of concerned citizens with the help of administrators of the Caisse populaire Desjardins de Blanc-Sablon, to help residents from Old Fort Bay to Blanc-Sablon who had medical expenses and could not afford it. A separate committee is still active; they approve donations for medical related expenses and also give temporary loans (Old Fort to Blan
c Sablon). The Coasters Association established the Lower North Shore Cancer Fund (LNSCF) in 2010 as one of the measures needed to support Cancer Patients on the Lower North Shore. The Lower North Shore Cancer Fund was a regional fund managed by the Coasters Association through a volunteer committee called the Cancer Fund Administrative Committee, whose mission was to support cancer patients financially burdened by cancer and to enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer. The mission was achieved by: Supporting people living with cancer and advocating for healthy public policy. Early in 2012, the Coasters Association met with Uni-Aide Foundation to discuss how the Cancer Fund & Uni-Aide could work together and better serve the population of the Lower North Shore. In June of 2012, the former Board of Directors of the Uni-Aide Foundation disassembled and new members were elected from across the Lower North Shore. The Uni-Aide Foundation mission is to support the population of the Lower North Shore financially burdened by illness and to enhance the quality of life for those living with health issues. The objectives of the Uni-Aide Foundation are:
a) Collect funds through memberships, donations, fund raising or by other legal activities to help those in our region (MRC Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent: Kegaska – Blanc Sablon) affected by illness
b) Bring a financial support to individuals, seeking medical treatment, and their families
c) Insure the well-being of individuals or families afflicted by illness. Encourage medical research programs and purchase specialized medical equipment for the region (MRC Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent: Kegaska – Blanc Sablon)
d) Defend and promote the interests of those dealing with illness in our region (MRC Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent: Kegaska – Blanc Sablon)
e) Administer and manage funds
The Uni-Aide Foundation has identified 3 priorities.
1. The Lower North Shore Health Fund which gives support to people in financial need for transportation, medication and living allowances when traveling to and from treatment facilities. Some financial assistance is also available for caregivers.
2. The Social Program Fund which is currently being developed and whose aim will be to help sustain social programs (Youth Centers, Senior Day Centers, Summer Camps, etc) on the Lower North Shore.
3. A Muti Vocational Center which is currently being researched and whose aim will be to provide accommodations to residents traveling to Blanc Sablon for medical appointments.
