ARDC Choir Makes Generous Donation
Last December, the Arvida Research and Development Centre (ARDC) choir used proceeds from its ticket sales to donate $10,500 to the Maison de soins palliatifs du Saguenay, a palliative care home in the Saguenay region.
The choir attracted 700 people to its only performance at François-Brassard hall in Jonquière. Its 33 members returned to the stage after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The group was founded 24 years ago by ARDC employees who discovered by chance that they shared a passion for singing. It usually gives two concerts a year, the first in spring and the second just before the holidays.
With each concert, the members of the choir choose to donate the money raised to a cause close to their hearts. This year, the Maison de soins palliatifs du Saguenay was the obvious choice. “During our last show in 2019, the people at the palliative care home gave us a big hand in selling our tickets and had the brilliant idea of selling songs,” says Hélène Tremblay, Choir President, who retired after working for 36 years as a clerk at Rio Tinto’s Shipshaw Power Station. “We wanted to give something back for the help they gave us. For us, it is even better to give than to receive.”
The initial sum raised of $7,500 was increased to $10,500, one of the largest amounts donated by the ARDC choir to date. The mission of the Maison de soins palliatifs du Saguenay resonates with the members in a very special way, as the place received one of their own when she was nearing the end of her life. The donation was a way for the members to honour her.
Choir singers wanted
The ARDC choir, which is made up primarily of active and retired employees from all areas of Rio Tinto and their family members, is looking for singers to join its ranks.
“The choir is currently unbalanced because we are particularly short of sopranos,” says Tremblay.
The choir meets twice a week throughout the year, with a break between May and September.
“I have been in other choirs, and I must say that I have never been part of a group with such a strong bond. We come out of rehearsals full of energy. It’s a great pleasure,” Tremblay says with a smile in her voice.
To register your interest, please contact Hélène Tremblay at lntremblay@gmail.com.
