Dorimène Roy Desjardins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dorimène Roy Desjardins
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| Born | 17 September 1858 Sorel, Province of Canada, British Empire
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| Died | 14 June 1932 (aged 73) Lévis, Quebec, Canada
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| Occupation | founder Desjardins Group |
| Spouse(s) | Alphonse Desjardins |
Marie-Clara Dorimène Roy Desjardins (born September 17, 1858 – died June 14, 1932) was a very important person in Canadian history. She and her husband, Alphonse Desjardins, worked together to create the Caisses populaires Desjardins. Today, this organization is known as the Desjardins Group. It was one of the first groups like a credit union in North America.
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Who Was Dorimène Roy Desjardins?
Dorimène Roy Desjardins was born in Sorel, Quebec, in 1858. She grew up in a time when many people found it hard to save money or get loans from regular banks. Banks often only helped wealthy people or big businesses.
She married Alphonse Desjardins, who was a journalist and politician. Together, they shared a big dream: to help ordinary people manage their money better. They wanted to create a financial system that was fair and accessible to everyone.
The Big Idea: Helping Communities
In the late 1800s, it was tough for many families to get financial help. If they needed a loan for a farm or a small business, traditional banks often said no. Alphonse Desjardins saw this problem and wanted to find a solution.
He learned about "credit unions" in Europe. These were groups where people pooled their savings together. Then, they could lend money to each other at fair rates. This idea was based on cooperation, meaning people working together for a common good.
What is a Credit Union?
A credit union is a financial organization that is owned by its members. Instead of making profits for shareholders, like a regular bank, a credit union aims to serve its members. Any profits are usually given back to members through lower loan rates or higher savings rates.
This cooperative model was very new in North America. The Desjardins family believed it could truly help families and communities grow stronger.
Dorimène's Important Role
While Alphonse Desjardins is often remembered as the main founder, Dorimène played a crucial role. She was not just his wife; she was a true partner in building the Desjardins Group.
She managed many of the daily operations of the first "Caisse populaire" (people's bank) from their home. She handled all the money, kept the records, and managed the accounts. This was a huge job, especially since Alphonse was often busy with his other work or traveling.
Dorimène was known for her carefulness and dedication. She made sure everything was organized and accurate. Her hard work helped the first Caisse populaire run smoothly and gain the trust of its members.
Building Trust and Growth
When Alphonse was away or sick, Dorimène took full charge. She made sure that the financial services continued without interruption. Her commitment helped the organization grow steadily.
In 1923, her hard work and importance were officially recognized. She was made an honorary member of the Union régionale des caisses populaires Desjardins de Québec. This was a special honor for her contributions.
A Lasting Legacy
The small Caisse populaire started by Dorimène and Alphonse Desjardins grew into something huge. Today, the Desjardins Group is one of the largest financial cooperatives in the world. It serves millions of members across Canada.
Dorimène Roy Desjardins's story shows that behind many great achievements, there are often unsung heroes. Her dedication and hard work were essential to creating a financial system that helps ordinary people. Her legacy continues to impact communities today.
