Saskatoon reflects on legacy of philanthropist Irene Dubé

A community is remembering Irene Dubé, who gave her time and money to countless charitable causes over the years. Stacey Hein reports.

The community is remembering a Saskatoon woman who gave her time and money to several charitable causes over the years.

Irene Dubé died Tuesday at the age of 89, leaving her mark on countless lives through her generosity.

“She was generous with her time. She always made you feel that whatever you were doing was the most important thing,” said Steve Shannon, CEO of the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation and a family friend.

Born and raised in Wynyard, Dubé was one of 10 children. In a 2008 interview with CTV News, she said she came from a “very, very poor family.” She married Leslie Dubé in 1954, and together they built a business empire, creating the Concorde Group of Companies.

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By 1993, the couple had frozen their estate and committed future earnings to causes they felt needed support. Over the years, the Dubés donated millions of dollars to health care, post-secondary education and non-profit organizations.

“I don’t think there’s anybody who had not been touched by the Dubé generosity,” Shannon said.

The Dubés played a key role in the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, donating $6.5 million.

“They are legacy builders and we wouldn’t have our hospital and it would not be to the level that it is, which is world class, right now without them,” said Troy Davies, CEO of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

When the hospital opened, each room featured an afghan hand-knit by Irene.

She was also a mental health advocate, donating $3 million toward the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health.

The Dubés were regular supporters of the Saskatoon Food Bank and donated $1.5 million to the capital campaign for a new building.

“The legacy that the Dubés leave behind is almost immeasurable. There are so many sectors in our city that they’ve touched with their work,” said Laurie O’Connor, executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre.

Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block said Dubé’s legacy will continue through her family.

“Her legacy will live on through her children and we’re very lucky to have the Dubé family as part of our city,” said Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block.

Irene and Leslie Dubé were appointed to the Order of Canada in 2017, received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2008 and were awarded honorary doctor of laws degrees by the University of Saskatchewan in 2007. Their name can be found on buildings across the city, a lasting tribute to their generosity and the difference giving back can make.