‘A moment we’ll never forget’: Third annual MUHC’s Got Talent

The seats at Montreal’s Beanfield Theatre were filled on Tuesday night for the third annual MUHC’s Got Talent.

The event takes McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) health care workers out of the clinic and onto the stage to showcase their hidden talents — a way to fundraise for causes at the MUHC close to their hearts.

“The MUHC Foundation is so proud of three years of MUHC’s Got Talent,” said Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO, MUHC Foundation in a press release. “It truly brings together the entire MUHC community—whether it’s our multi-talented health care workers or our patients.”

Created by the MUHC Foundation and modelled after the hit TV show, $1.23 million has been raised overall since its start in 2022.

The funds raised support a variety of causes at the MUHC, ranging from women’s health to respiratory care.

This year’s performances varied from the Lachine Hospital’s dynamic singing-and-accordion duo, Hélène Gagnon and Myriam Ménard, to the POWER Hub choir—a group of dedicated women, led by Dr. Judy Luu, raising their voices to break down barriers in women’s heart care.

“It was our first time performing in MUHC’s Got Talent,” said Luu. “And it was definitely a moment we’ll never forget.”

“The energy in the room was electric,” she added. “It was so inspiring because we really do put our whole hearts into our work, and we wanted to bring that passion onto the stage.”

“It was reflected back at us from the energetic crowd,” she added.

This year’s celebrity judges were Isabelle Racicot, Nick Farkas, and Laura Casella.

 “As a proud Montrealer, I was honoured to be sitting in the judge’s seat for this year’s MUHC’s Got Talent,” said Isabelle Racicot, Host of Yé 4h quelque part, Rythme FM. “Of course, picking a winner was difficult! But it’s all part of the fun.”

“Seeing the community come together to support the MUHC was inspiring,” she added.

Out of the eight acts, the following were recognized for their outstanding talent:

– Fan Favourite $10k —The Lung Dancers, Supporting the Montreal Chest Institute (MCI)

– Fundraising Champion $10k — The POWERHub, Supporting Personalized Heart Care

Judges’ Choice winners:

– First prize —Victoria Hindley, Supporting the SDR Project

– Second prize —POWERHub, Supporting Personalized Heart Care

– Third prize —André Bonnici and Les Recyclés, Supporting Pharmacy Care and Research

“I am deeply grateful to our performers, my team,” said Laramée. “And everyone who contributed or attended.”