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About Us

Welcome to the TDC Foundation,
where kindness, compassion,and lasting impact intersect.
Join us in making a difference today!

Who We Are

Teresa Dellar was known for her dedication to supporting a variety of organizations and causes and for fostering strong communities built on kindness, empathy, and compassion. Beyond her work in palliative care, Teresa tirelessly lent her expertise and time to uplifting those in need. Whether it was collecting socks for the homeless, supporting food banks, mentoring young volunteers or welcoming refugees, Teresa was always there to make a positive impact on the lives of others. She believed in the power of collective support and worked tirelessly to empower individuals and communities to thrive.
Our Vision:

Creating a World of Kindness, Empathy and Compassion

What We Do

Support Community Initiatives

We organize community drives in recognition of Teresa’s commitment to helping those in need.

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Provide Scholarships

We sponsor annual scholarships in social work, fostering the development of aspiring professionals in the field to honour Teresa’s legacy as a dedicated social worker

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Recognize Excellence in
Community Service

We recognize and celebrate individuals who have made a positive impact in their community and organizations that embody Teresa’s spirit of service and leadership through our annual TDC Foundation Awards.

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Raise Funds

We engage in fundraising activities to support community organizations and charitable endeavours in memory of Teresa’s generosity

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Gavin Fernandes
Jonathan Dellar-Fernandes
Jill McGoldrick
Russ Williams
Brenda Rodricks
Andrew Lauzon
Doug Bellevue
Yolande James
Lori Morris
Greg Kelley
Jamie Orchard

We are Teresa's family and friends united in our belief in the ideals she cherished and the goals she pursued.

Community Initiatives
Since 2020, TDC Foundation has been operating quietly in the background of the West Island. Some of our contributions to date: Cash Donations to West Island Food Banks • $35,000 Other Assistance to West Island Food Banks • Donated 48 turkeys and 12 hams Clothing Donations • Over 75,000 items of clothing including socks and underwear donated (Recipients - Ricochet, Iskweu Project - Native Women Shelter, St. Michael's Mission, Old Brewery Mission and Acceuil Bonneau) Scholarships • $30,000 in undergraduate scholarships to students studying Social Work at McGill University and Université de Montréal. TDC Foundation Awards • $19,500 awarded to community organizations.
Is there some small thing we can do to help your non-profit organization? Have a larger project in mind you would like to talk about?
Contact Us ⟶
Award Scholarships
Each year, we fund a scholarship at McGill University and another at Université de Montréal to help create the next generation of social workers. The award, which is based on academic merit, is given to an undergraduate student at each university upon the recommendation of their respective schools of Social Work. The first scholarships were awarded in September, 2020.
Apply now ⟶
Raise Funds:
Join us in continuing Teresa legacy of kindness and compassion by supporting our efforts. Teresa could never turn away from those in need. Our foundation strives to follow in her footsteps by performing small acts of kindness that make a big difference in our communities.
Your generous donation will enable us to keep Teresa's spirit alive and continue spreading warmth and support throughout our communities.
Please consider contributing today and help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Contribute now ⟶

GAVIN FERNANDES CAS
B.Sc.

Gavin Fernandes is the husband of Teresa Dellar and a highly respected re-recording mixer in the sound industry. He collaborates with major sound facilities in Montreal, Toronto, and Los Angeles, including Technicolor, Mel’s, Premium, Formosa, Company3, and Red Lab.

Recent works include: Alert (Fox/Sony), A Tourist’s Guide to Love (Netflix), 8-bit Christmas (Warner), Tempête (TF1), Fire of Love (NatGeo/Disney+), Coffee & Kareem (Netflix), IMAX Train Time and SuperPower Dogs The Bold Type I, III, IV (NBC/Universal), Big Little Lies II (HBO), Sharp Objects (HBO), Escouade 99 (TVA), Garielle Roy (CBC/RC), Blood & Treasure I&II (CBS) and more.

 In 2022 & 2023, he was nominated for a CSA award for the feature Brain Freeze and a Cinema Eye award for best Sound for Fire of Love (for which he also attended the Oscars). In 2017, he was nominated for an Emmy award for his work on HBO’s Big Little Lies. He has been nominated for dozens of Giant Screen (IMAX), Canadian Screen awards (Genies, Gemini), Gemeaux, and Quebec Film awards, including wins for Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2007), Volcanoes of the Deep Sea, Journey to Mecca, & Fighter Pilot (Best Sound IMAX), Le Dernier Tunnel (2005), Babine (2008) & Pillars of the Earth (2011).

 Gavin has spoken at conferences & events for AES, SPARS, Yamaha, AVID , Concordia & McGill University, and Post RED Academy (Tbilisi, Georgia) and was a guest faculty member at the Banff Centre from 2001-2013.

 Gavin has volunteered for many Montreal churches, performing arts groups and Community charities, serving on their boards and foundations or helping at events. He currently sits on the board of directors of the West Island Community Resource Centre and is chairman of the TDC Foundation. He also spends as much time as possible volunteering at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care residence, a full care hospice named after his late wife.

JONATHAN DELLAR-FERNANDES

Jonathan Dellar-Fernandes is the eldest son of Teresa Dellar. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Investment Management from Concordia University’s JMSB Goodman Institute, and he is a CFA charterholder. Jonathan also earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Concordia.

Jonathan worked for nearly nine years at the West Island Palliative Care Residence (now the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence). He remains involved with the facility as the co-founder and co-chair of the Young Ambassador’s Committee. This committee seeks to raise awareness and funds from the next generation of employees, volunteers, and donors, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Palliative Care Residence. Jonathan’s diverse background and dedication to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence mission make him a valuable asset to both the palliative care community and the world of finance.

Beyond his volunteer efforts, Jonathan brings his expertise to the financial world as an Associate on the investment team at NAventures, the corporate venture capital arm of the National Bank of Canada.

JILL MCGOLDRICK

Jill McGoldrick is the Senior Vice-President and Director of the Board of TASK Micro-Electronics Inc., a leader in the development of advanced microelectronics and in providing innovative solutions to customers in the Medical, Aerospace, Defense & Security and other high-end industrial markets. For the past 35 years, Jill has overseen all aspects of TASK’s highly technical and ISO 13485:2016 / ISO 9001:2015 certified, AS9100D certified, FDA audited and registered, Medical Implantable devices, CGP, IPC-A-610, FAR/DFAR and MIL-STD-883 compliant operations and manufacturing process. 

A longtime West Island resident, Jill began her career in micro-electronics at C-MAC Industries prior to joining TASK in 1988.

Besides serving as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the TDCFoundation, Jill also served as a Board Member and Secretary for the RESPECT Campaign network of organizations which support veterans, emergency responders, and their families in meeting challenges such as transition, mental health, and housing instability.  Jill was part of the team responsible for the Kirkland installation of the Trans-Canada Respect Monument  which serves as a memorial to honour the men and women who have served and sacrificed in their service to Canada, as well as to raise awareness of those who suffer from PTS and homelessness after their duty is done. 

Russell Williams

Russell is Senior Vice President, Mission with Diabetes Canada. He is charged with effectively advancing Diabetes Canada’s interests in providing positive outcomes for Canadians living with diabetes. Prior to joining Diabetes Canada, he served as President of Innovative Medicines Canada (formerly Rx&D), an association of over fifty innovative life sciences companies.

Russell’s leadership working with all governments at the Federal and Provincial levels, both at political and administrative levels, as well as key stakeholders in the health, research, patient and economic sectors was aimed at creating a better environment for improved life science research and healthcare sustainability. Russell participated in several key coalitions focused on improving research, healthcare and ethics networks. 

Russell chaired the International Code Compliance Network for the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), as well as being a member of the Council of the IFPMA. Since 2011, he has served as the primary private sector lead for the APEC biopharmaceutical ethics initiative, a group of twenty- one countries that developed international principles for business ethics. In 2015, he was named Industry Co-Chair of the APEC Biopharmaceutical Working Group on Ethics set up by the U.S. Department of Commerce to support the initiative. He currently serves as Patient Co-Chair for this initiative. Recent awards include the Russell Williams Studentship in Medical Ethics, Queen’s University, the Life Science Leadership Award with Life Science Ontario and the Lighthouse Award for leadership in the APEC Ethics Initiative.

Prior to his appointment as President of Rx&D, Russell had a successful career in Quebec politics as the Member of the National Assembly for the riding of Nelligan. He was, and continues to be, a well-known champion and advocate for many causes which included better patient care, improved emergency services, increased research and development, individual rights, language and constitutional policy, as well as reform for handicapped services. He created and led strategies to build a local community college (CEGEP).  He founded several community initiatives such as the West Island Palliative Care Residence (renamed the Teresa-Dellar Palliative Care Residence) and West Island Community Shares, both still in existence today.

He remains an honourary Board Member for both the Teresa-Dellar Palliative Care Residence and West Island Community Shares.

BRENDA RODRICKS

Brenda’s passion for the hotel industry began in high school. Over the span of her extraordinary 40-year career, she has developed an in-depth knowledge and expertise in all areas of hotel operations. After 23 years of managing four-star hotels in Montreal, Brenda made history as the first female President of The Hotel Association of Greater Montreal. Brenda also collaborated with tourism organizations such as Tourism Montreal, Destination Canada, Quebec Tourism, and the Montreal Airport Authority to boost Montreal’s appeal as a unique travel destination.

In 2009, Brenda joined the Marriott family as the General Manager of the Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel. Under her leadership, Brenda’s team has garnered numerous awards for the Americas from Marriott, including The Service Leadership Award, the Customer Satisfaction Excellence Award, the Associate Leadership Excellence Award, The Human Resource Excellence Award, The Finance and Accounting Excellence Award and in 2016 and the Best Managed Marriott Hotel in the Americas, Marriott’s most prestigious award in North America. Since opening, the hotel has consistently received the Trip Advisor Award of Excellence, The Community Engagement Award, and was voted the number one company by the West Island Chamber of Commerce for Best Human Resource practices and Business of the Year.

In addition to her role of General Manager of the Montreal Airport Marriott, in 2022 Brenda was named Regional General Manager for all Marriott managed hotels in Montreal.  The Residence Inn on Peel Street, the Sheraton Center, the Delta Montreal and the W now all report to Brenda in this capacity.

Brenda spent seven years as Chairperson for the Eastern Canada Business Council and now works with the Americas Leadership Advisory Council looking at work/life integration for future General Managers.  Brenda is also very involved in giving back to the community and sits on various boards and fund-raising committees for local charitable organizations that lend support to 55,000 West Island citizens a year in need.

ANDREW LAUZON

Andrew Lauzon is the Founder and President of ADSS, where he brings a wealth of experience from his impressive 30-year career in the security industry. Andrew first became interested in security as a youth working for his family’s locksmithing business where he helped his father.

Following his high school graduation, Andrew embarked on a diverse educational path, pursuing various trade programs in welding, machining, and electro-mechanics. At the age of 24, he returned to his roots in the security industry, this time specializing in electronic security systems. In 2004, he founded ADSS. Under his leadership, the company has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to multiple locations and establishing itself as a prominent player in the Canadian security landscape.

Today, as President of ADSS, Andrew leads a dynamic team of professionals and collaborates with a network of partners. ADSS has earned recognition as a leader in the security industry, serving clients throughout Canada. Andrew’s commitment to excellence, coupled with his extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, has been instrumental in the company’s continued success.

DOUG BELLEVUE

Doug is the Founder, President & CEO of Task Micro-Electronics Inc., an engineering and manufacturing firm specializing in microelectronics devices for aerospace, defense, and medical markets.

He is also the co-founder and president of The Respect Campaign, which is dedicated to supporting veterans and raising awareness about such issues as PTSD, homelessness, and suicide among veterans. In collaboration with the Canadian Armed Forces, Doug and The Respect Campaign inaugurated the Trans-Canada Respect Monument on the Trans-Canada Highway in Kirkland, Quebec, in 2017, marking the first monument in Canada to acknowledge veterans’ suicides.

Doug founded, and is the  former President and Producer for Preservation Records, an independent Canadian Jazz and Blues record label. He’s also a published author. His book, “Montreal’s Golden Square Mile – A Neighborhood,” offers an historical chronicle of the elite neighbourhood and its businesses during the gilded age of Montreal.

Besides his involvement in the TDC Foundation, Doug also serves on the board of directors of EXPORAIL Canadian Rail Museum, Le Sentier, Respect Campaign, The Otis Grant & Friends Foundation.

Doug has received numerous awards, including the Saving Station Foundation’s “Gina Bertozzi Marroni Memorial Award,” the West Island Palliative Care Residence Spotlight Award, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and the Canada 150 Community Award for Entrepreneurship, Veterans Support, and Arts & Culture.

YOLANDE JAMES

A lawyer, mediator and former Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Nelligan from 2004 to 2014, Yolande James became the first Black woman elected to Quebec’s National Assembly and the first person from the Black community appointed to a Government of Quebec cabinet position when she was named Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities in 2007. Three years later she became Families Minister, responsible for the government’s third-largest portfolio after Health and Education.

After leaving politics, Yolande served as a political analyst for Radio-Canada and CBC and was part of the daily program “Club des ex” on RDI. In June 2021, she was appointed Executive Director, Diversity and Inclusion, French Services, at Radio-Canada. Most recently, Yolande joined PSP Investments where she is Managing Director and Head of Strategic Communications and Global Affairs.

Her interest in politics stems from her numerous social and political activities she engaged in as a teenager. From 1994 to 1998, she worked on the development of a program for youth with learning disabilities in the West Island of Montreal. At the Université de Montréal, she became a member of the Organizing Committee of Black History Month. In 2003, she was awarded the Senator Frank Carrel Scholarship. From 2005 to 2007, she was a member of the board of directors of the Office Québec-Amériques pour la jeunesse.

Yolande James holds a bachelor’s degree in civil law from the Université de Montréal, a bachelor’s degree in common law from Queen’s University and she has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2004. She remains deeply committed to community service and has served on the board of directors of the West Island Palliative Care Residence (now the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence).

Lori Morris

Lori Morris was a founding board member of the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence (previously known as the West Island Palliative Care Residence) in 1999. A self-employed Chartered Accountant at that time, Lori had the privilege of working closely with Teresa over the next 20 years as Teresa led the way in palliative care. During that time the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence Foundation was created, as well as the Montreal Institute for Palliative Care.  Lori also served on the Valentines’ Gala committee for 18 years, chairing 7 of them.

Being committed to community service, Lori served on the executive of Baseball West Island as Treasurer from 2008-2013.  She also served the West Island Lakers Basketball Association from 2006-2014 including as VP-Girls from 2010-2014.  In July 2013 Lori accepted the leadership role to host the Quebec Special Olympics basketball games.

Today, Lori serves as Director of Finance & Operations at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence.

GREG KELLEY

Member of the National Assembly for Jacques-Cartier
Quebec Liberal Party

Born and raised in the West Island of Montreal, Greg ran for provincial office and was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022 as MNA for the riding of Jacques-Cartier.

Greg completed a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science at McGill University and then went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Queen’s University.

Following his studies, he began to work as a political advisor in Quebec City and served in several ministerial offices gaining experience in the field of public policy and politics.

In 2017, Greg was the first liaison to the Premier of Quebec for Relations with the English Speaking-Community and later become an advisor to the first Minister for Relations with English-speaking Quebecers.

Offices Held Today

Official Opposition Critic for Energy, Natural Resources, Social Solidarity, Community Action and Relations with English-Speaking Quebecers.

Official Opposition Critic for the Côte-Nord Region

Jamie Orchard

Jamie is an award-winning journalist who leveraged her extensive experience in media and communications to take on the role of Senior Advisor for Public Relations and Media Relations at VIA Rail Canada in 2021.

Jamie spent 2 decades as senior anchor at Global Montreal before the company moved their anchor position to Toronto in 2020. Prior to working at Global, Jamie reported for CTV, CBC, and on radio at CHOM-FM and Skeena Broadcasting Corporation in British Columbia.

A proud graduate of Concordia University’s School of Journalism, Jamie has been named one of Montreal’s most remarkable women by the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, a “Woman of Merit” by the YWCA, and alumni of the year at Concordia University.

Jamie has spoken at hundreds of events over the years, but a career highlight was introducing Oprah Winfrey at the Bell Centre in front of a crowd of 20,000 people, and her mom.

Jamie is also very involved in her community, serving over the years on boards and committees at the Generations Foundation, the Missing Children’s Network, and the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence, among others.