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Recognizing the goodness in each of us. The story behind the birth of the Palliacco Effect
Interview by Martin Dumont
In a world where we often look for complex answers to major human challenges, sometimes the most beautiful solution emerges from the simplicity of the heart and the strength of the community. This is the story of the “Palliacco Effect”, a movement inspired by the boundless generosity of the Cercle de Fermières Saint-Michel/Pine-Hill and a resilient woman with cancer, the president of the Cercle, Suzanne Plante.
The heart of the Cercle de Fermières
The epicentre of this story is a group of 46 women, mostly grandmothers and great-grandmothers, united by a deep desire to share and to help each other.
In this rural area near Brownsburg-Chatham where services are scarce, the Cercle is a true social pillar. “It’s a place of constant learning and the transmission of know-how, where each member makes a unique contribution,” says Suzanne Plante.
She also insists on the importance of this sharing, especially for the younger generations. “The atmosphere is warm, marked by mutual respect, and the group provides important protection from isolation,” she adds. It is in this spirit of solidarity that the idea of supporting Palliacco was born.
Hands-on giving
Far from a business model, the philosophy of the Cercle is simple: “Everything we make is to give away. In our present virtual world, there are fewer and fewer things made by hand. When you make it by hand, you are giving something of yourself. When you offer a handmade gift to someone, you feel it,” the president states. With funds from grants, the Cercle buys the materials to create the things they give away, such as their famous blankets and delightful knitted dolls.
The birth of the “Palliacco Effect”
The initiative to donate to an organization that supports people at the end of life or those with cancer came from Suzanne herself. Touched by her own experience with cancer (which she manages with admirable strength), she wanted to help those who are fighting the disease. “I’ve had cancer for years, but I consider myself lucky, because it’s a cancer that can be treated. I am able to have improved quality of life. There are some who are not so lucky and that’s why organizations that help these people in need touch me a lot. It’s my way of helping people who haven’t had the opportunities that I have had,” says Suzanne.
Inspired by her mission, Suzanne Plante contacted Palliacco to offer a donation of the Cercle’s creations. Very quickly, the blankets and cushions lovingly made by the women involved, found their way to the beneficiaries of Palliacco, bringing warmth and comfort. Suzanne even insisted that Palliacco’s logo be attached to each piece, as a sign of the Cercle’s deep commitment to Palliacco’s mission.
Unique little hearts
During a conversation with the Palliacco team, the idea of recreating the Palliacco logo (a heart) took shape. Then, stopping at nothing, the women of the Cercle got to work. In early April 2025, 250 small felt heart brooches were presented to Palliacco. “They are all handmade. It was really quite a project. But that’s the fun part. Even I myself can’t make two the same,” says Suzanne Plante.
Seeing the joy that these “little smile-makers” gave, the idea of a wave of kindness and gratitude came over Palliacco employees. “The “Palliacco Effect” was born from this synergy, the idea that a simple gesture of recognition can turn into a wave of kindness,” observes Palliacco’s Director of Services, Julie-Andrée Bourque.
A commitment that is breaking barriers
The commitment of the Cercle des Fermières does not stop there. Suzanne is currently working on a mascot inspired by these little hearts, a project that promises to become a strong symbol for Palliacco. Moreover, the Cercle has applied for a federal subsidy to dedicate an entire year’s work to Palliacco. This initiative is a testament to the exceptional generosity and unwavering confidence in the organization’s mission.
The story of the Cercle des Fermières and their collaboration with Palliacco is a perfect illustration of the Cercle’s motto: “Alone, we go faster; Together, we go further.” The “Palliacco Effect” is living proof that compassion, sharing and the strength of the community can transform the most difficult moments into experiences of dignity and love. It is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of the end of life, one can still be honored, supported and surrounded by love.
“We can see that our work is making a difference. We are really proud of ourselves!”, Suzanne Plante concludes, with a smile in her voice.