Dr Gilles Julien and the Guignolée: social pediatrics for Quebec’s children
What they do
Social pediatrics is a simple idea with a lot of work behind it: care for a child’s health by looking at the whole life around them, with the family, the school and the neighbourhood at the table. Dr Gilles Julien is considered the founder of this approach in Quebec. It is community-based and built on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Fondation du Dr Julien trains, supports and certifies the people and centres that do this work. In its 2024-2025 annual report (year ending March 31, 2025), the foundation said the network reaches nearly 12,000 vulnerable children a year in more than 45 centres. Its Guignolée page, updated in January 2026, lists 48 certified community social pediatrics centres across Quebec. Children and families get medical follow-up, social work and help with whatever is getting in the way, from school trouble to housing.
How it started
According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, Dr Julien set up community social pediatrics in two Montreal neighbourhoods, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Côte-des-Neiges, between 1990 and 1997. The first centre opened in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve in 1997, and a second clinic followed in Côte-des-Neiges in 2004. The foundation took its current name in 2009.
His work has been widely recognized, including appointments as an Officer of the Order of Canada and an Officer of the Ordre national du Québec, both in 2011. In 2024, the foundation announced that he was handing clinical leadership to Maude Julien, a clinical nurse, while staying on as spokesperson. The foundation’s 2024-2025 report lists Michel-Éric Fournelle as board chair and Maude Julien as clinical director.
Why it matters this December
The Guignolée Dr Julien is the foundation’s main fundraiser, held in mid-December. For the 22nd edition in 2024, most centres held their collection day on Saturday, December 14, with volunteers at collection points around the city, and donations were open from November 15 to January 15. That edition raised nearly $1,040,000. The 23rd edition closed on January 15, 2026.
The foundation hasn’t posted dates for the 2026 Guignolée yet. Based on past years, expect a Saturday in mid-December, but confirm before you go.
How to help
- Donate to the foundation or straight to a local centre. The Guignolée page lists every certified centre by region, each with its own donation link. You can also give by phone or mail a cheque.
- Volunteer on Guignolée day. Teams of five staff collection points, and centres need help planning and running the day. Children 17 and under must be with an adult. See the volunteer page.
- Give time all year. Centres welcome help with homework, activities and outings, and the Grands amis program pairs adults 20 and over with a child for at least a year. A background check is required.
Checked on November 8, 2026. Details can change, so confirm on the official page before you go.
Questions people ask
When is the Guignolée Dr Julien in 2026?
The foundation hasn't posted the 2026 dates yet. The Guignolée is held in mid-December. In 2024, most centres held their collection day on Saturday, December 14, and donations were open from November 15 to January 15. The 23rd edition closed on January 15, 2026. Check fondationdrjulien.org for this year's dates.
What is social pediatrics?
Social pediatrics is a community-based approach to children's health that looks at the whole child: family, school, neighbourhood and rights. Dr Gilles Julien is considered its founder in Quebec. It is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the foundation's network reaches nearly 12,000 vulnerable children a year.
How can I volunteer for the Guignolée Dr Julien?
Contact a social pediatrics centre near you, or reach the foundation through its volunteer page. On Guignolée day, teams of five staff donation collection points for a half or full day, and others help plan or run the day. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Companies can sign up groups.
Sources
- Fondation du Dr Julien: official site fondationdrjulien.org
- Fondation du Dr Julien: Guignolée Dr Julien fondationdrjulien.org
- Fondation du Dr Julien: Bénévolat fondationdrjulien.org
- Fondation du Dr Julien: Rapport annuel 2024-2025 fondationdrjulien.org
- Newswire (Nov 14, 2024): Twenty-second Guignolée Dr Julien fundraiser newswire.ca
- Newswire (Jun 10, 2024): Une nouvelle étape pour le Dr Julien newswire.ca
- The Canadian Encyclopedia: Gilles Julien thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
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