Posted on Monday April 16, 2018

Raymonde Albert LeBlanc, or how to mix business with the pleasure of giving!

Raymonde Albert LeBlanc is a well-known businesswoman on the Acadian Peninsula who's just celebrated turning 71. It's an age where many are happy to stop and smell the roses ? but not this fine lady. The owner of Singer LeBlanc in Caraquet has chalked up 48 years in business and has no plans to retire. Not a chance! If anything, she's expanding her operations. She's also continuing to give generously to her community's less well-off. In November 2014, she founded La chaîne des c?urs généreux, an organization that donates clothing to people in need. Meet an outstanding human being and accomplished entrepreneur who's been a UNI member since she rang up her first sale.

A true entrepreneur

Companies? In a working life spanning nearly five decades, Ms. LeBlanc has started her fair share of them ? over a dozen, in fact. Each was born of the needs of the moment, wherever she was at that time in her life: single, married, a mother to toddlers, then teens, in a couple, widowed . . . With no government assistance, she turned each into a success through sheer determination, perseverance and a knack for finding ways to get ahead.

One of these ways is technology. Though she lives less than a quarter-mile from her caisse, she uses online financial services. She also has her own Facebook page along with a steady local following. ?Orders, discussions, exchanges of information: everything was done by phone when I first started,? she says. ?Technology, which I've been using for years now, lets me do business and collect a great deal of information quickly and securely, as well as letting me reach a lot of customers and provide better service.?

The common thread of this productive life? A desire to make a real difference. ?To be successful in business and in life, you have to want to contribute something positive. You have to be glad to get up in the morning. Not to work, but to give ? to help others through your work.? Becoming a millionaire, enjoying a quiet life: that's not her style. If her every undertaking has been such a resounding success, it's because she never counted the hours. Most importantly, she always, always made it a point of honour to give her very best. ?You have to GIVE. Give your time, your experience, the best you have to offer. Give your service ? with a smile.? Her biggest motivator? Seeing her customers happy and enjoying a great shopping experience. 

Giving: a way of life

Though she lives less than a quarter-mile from her caisse, she uses online financial services.

Over the last 20 years, Ms. LeBlanc has been unfailingly generous with the time she gives to her community, be it through providing care, tending to ailing loved ones or helping the underprivileged. ?La chaîne des c?urs généreux? is the latest addition to her long string of good works. It all began with an appeal she posted on her Facebook page. She had asked her community to bring her clothes that she could wash and mend and give to local disadvantaged families. The initiative bore fruit. Yet the smiling entrepreneur won't take any credit, saying she would be nowhere without her ?angels? ? those who pitch in to help her. Still, when it comes to pointing up the generosity of her donors, she's lavish with her praise!

?Feeling good is important to me,? she says. ?Feeling good everywhere! In your heart, in your body, in your mind. The well-being of children and the elderly is something very close to my heart. I want every vulnerable person to have food, clothing and a beautiful environment. When I founded La chaîne des c?urs généreux, it was to help these people out ? and give them some love.? Her dream? That everyone could live on love. That giving would become more important than seeking profit.

And what's on the cards for her retirement? Que nenni! ?The word ?retirement' should be banned,? she says. ?At least for me! My kids know that I'll be on the job for many years to come. Though I am preparing for succession . . . slowly.?

Mutual aid, solidarity, self-sacrifice, business acumen . . . Ms. LeBlanc is one of those people who bring a lot to their community and who've grasped a profound truth: generosity is its own reward.