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The foundation that helps Fatima grow
The Paul-Leboeuf Foundation was established in 1995 and named in honour of its founder, Abbé Paul Leboeuf. A major contributor to Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, he devoted his life to serving others, promoting inclusion for people with special needs, and advocating for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The Foundation supports both the services and long-term sustainability of the Centre.
Our purpose
Mission
The Foundation ensures the ongoing development of adapted services and the long-term sustainability of Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima’s facilities, helping to provide peace of mind for campers with special needs and their loved ones.
Vision
The Paul-Leboeuf Foundation strives to be a modern, inspiring model of philanthropy, driven by and for the special-needs community—offering transformative experiences, fostering a community of exchange, and championing the cause with heart and conviction.
Values
- Kindness
- Commitment
- Transparency
- Inclusion
- Innovation
- Positivity
Who was Paul Leboeuf?
Paul Leboeuf was born in 1935 into a family of nine children, several of whom were deaf. From a young age, he acted as an interpreter for his brothers, developing a deep sensitivity to communication challenges. His childhood dream was always to become a priest.
Chaplain to the Deaf
In 1960, he was ordained as a deacon and appointed chaplain to the Institut des Sourdes-Muettes in Montréal the following year. His commitment to Langue des signes du Québec (L.S.Q.), his boldness in celebrating the first signed Mass in Quebec, and his constant presence have left a lasting mark on history.
A life devoted to inclusion
A true pillar of Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, he dedicated his life to building a place of welcome, respect and inclusion for people with special needs, particularly within the Deaf community. His involvement forever shaped the Centre’s mission and role.
Paul Leboeuf passed away on December 17, 2024.
A life’s work
Villa Notre-Dame-de-Fatima was created in 1948 to provide respite for students from the Institut des Sourdes-Muettes in Montréal. Abbé Paul Leboeuf became its chaplain in 1961.
Every Friday, he accompanied deaf students to the Villa for the weekend and later for the summer, offering them a precious respite. Deaf boys were admitted in the late 1970s.
Over the years, Abbé Leboeuf improved and expanded the Villa, investing a family inheritance and personally contributing to the work alongside friends. For camp management, he received a government salary, which he donated entirely to the Villa to enhance services for children.
In 1995, the Villa moved to its current site in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot and became Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima. In the decades that followed, Abbé Leboeuf continued his commitment to ensuring Fatima’s long-term sustainability.
Today, the Centre continues its mission by offering camp, respite and accommodation services for children and adults with special needs aged 4 and over, including those with hearing impairments, speech or language disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or multiple disabilities requiring adapted support.
The legacy of a great benefactor
Paul Leboeuf was an exceptional human being who enriched the lives of countless children. The peaceful atmosphere that radiates from Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima is his legacy.
“He was a pillar whose positive influence left a lasting mark on many young people, whether campers or staff. Like many Fatima employees, I had the privilege of knowing him well and benefiting from his wisdom. He passed on his deep passion to us. It is an honour to continue along the same path and to contribute to the development of our community and the well-being of those we welcome.”
Steven Grenier,
Executive Director
Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima
Paul-Leboeuf Foundation
