Difference Makers

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. For almost 50 years, Chez Doris has been a place of refuge and dignity for Montreal's most vulnerable women. What began as a single day centre in 1977 now spans six service points — soon seven — open 24/7, offering everything from meals, clothing and a night shelter to health care, employment support and permanent housing. Today we welcome the President of its Board, Jill Hugessen.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. For more than 65 years, the Kiwanis Club of Lakeshore Montreal has been quietly making a difference for children and youth across the West Island — and every one of its members is a volunteer. Joining us on the line is Andy Sarrasin, a longtime Kiwanian who has helped the club support dozens of local organizations.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. Some volunteers give their time. Karol Tessier gives a home. From Saint-Polycarpe, in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region, Karol opens the door to rescue dogs who need a safe place to land, caring for them until they find their forever families. Karol joins us on the line.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. For more than 30 years, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship has helped over 70,000 English-speaking Quebecers find work, launch and grow businesses, and build sustainable creative careers — through free one-on-one coaching, workshops and mentorship. Joining us on the line is its Executive Director, Amanda Moniz.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Varsha Bhat, founder and host of the Aging With Dignity podcast, focusing on the value of providing care for those who are aging and advocating for improvements to senior care.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Anne-Marie Croteau, Dean of the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. Anne-Marie highlights how people with a business degree can contribute to the betterment of society.

Sam Watts of Welcome Hall Mission shines a spotlight on the people making a difference in our communities. This week, newly elected Quebec MNA James Hughes joins Sam to reflect on his election victory and discuss his plans to address homelessness across the province.

Tune in to Difference Makers; Saturdays at noon, live on CJAD 800

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Sophie Dalbec of Habitat for Humanity, Quebec. Habitat for Humanity makes a difference in our community by making affordable homeownership accessible by removing barriers that can make owning a home impossible for many low-income working families and individuals. 

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Benita Goldin joins us from Contactivity Centre, a Montreal community centre that's kept seniors active, engaged and connected for over 50 years. Also, Nori Bortoluzzi from the Nota Bene Foundation talks about Crafted for Courage, a public art project turning handmade blankets into a statement against violence against women.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Julia Asselstine joins us from Literacy Unlimited, an organization working to improve adult English literacy across Quebec. Also, Jennifer Johnson joins us from CHSSN, the Community Health and Social Services Network, which works to improve access to health and social services for English-speaking Quebecers.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Ken Quinn joins us — a tireless volunteer across Montreal's Irish community organizations, including the St. Patrick's Society of Montreal, the United Irish Societies, and the Montreal Irish Monument Park project. Mona Beck joins us — President of Seniors Action Quebec, and author of a recent Montreal Gazette op-ed challenging Quebec's political leaders to spell out a real plan for seniors ahead of the provincial election.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Daniel Rotman joins us from Equiterre, one of Quebec's leading environmental advocacy organizations working across food, climate, consumption and transportation. Also, Amanda Murphy joins us from O3 On Our Own, a Montreal nonprofit supporting young parents and their children through transitional housing and life-skills programming.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Andre Pereira, Xenia Project Manager & Director of Marketing and Communications for Giant Steps, which has championed autism education and inclusion in Montreal for nearly 45 years. Also, Chelsea Craig, elected Commissioner for Ward 2 at the English Montreal School Board. With back-to-school just around the corner, she's here to talk about her role and what's new at the EMSB this year.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with General Manager Anny Kirouac and Director of Shelter Medicine Vincent Paradis for Proanima, an animal services organization. Also, Betty Esperanza, founder of Skateboards for Hope, which uses skateboarding to build confidence and break cycles of poverty for young people.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this Best-of episode, Ugo Dionne, a volunteer in Montreal's business/corporate community and Olivier Fitzpatrick, a young caregiver who helps families manage the effects of mental illness.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this Best-of episode, Sam and James spoke to Jack Jones. an uber-volunteer: He has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Montreal for about a year, at On Rock for 15 years and at Hadley House for 20, where he sits on the board of directors in charge of the fundraising committee. Sam and James also give a well deserved shoutout to some difference makers in our community.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this Best-of episode, they speak with Dr. Olivier Farmer, a psychiatrist at Notre-Dame Hospital and an Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal. Mike Weston is the director of Andy’s House Treatment Centre. He co-founded Andy’s House Treatment Centre with the intention of filling a need for more heart-centered care in the recovery world.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this Best of episode: John Hallward, President of Give Three and Mel Burns, a teacher who organizes the Outers Club.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Alistair Price, President & CEO Centre Inicio, a Montreal Non-profit organization helping English-speaking Quebecers and newcomers who face unique employment challenges. Sam & James also talk to farmer Matthew Gay who has an “animal experience project” idea for the Chateaugay valley.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Denise Hupé, Executive Director of ABOVAS, a West Island nonprofit organization whose incredible volunteers help seniors and adults get to essential appointments on the island of Montreal. Sam & James also talk to the Honourable Anna Gainey, Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount and Canada's Secretary of State for Children and Youth.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Jon Reider, Executive Director of Myra's Kids, a local organization dedicated to supporting children, youth and their families who are coping with loss and berevement. Sam & James also talk to Dr. Lionel Carmant, Quebec's Minister Responsible for Social Services – which includes efforts to address homelessness.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Suzanne Dazell of CN Rail. CN has committed $100 million over the next ten years to launch its new signature giving initiative, CN Railroaders for Change, aimed at preventing homelessness across its North American rail network. Sam and James also talk to Caroline Samne and Lisa Felice of AMCAL Family Services, a non-profit community-based organization serving families in Montreal and its surrounding areas for 50 years.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Steven Atme, a Montreal-based musician, composer, speaker, and prominent advocate for autism and disability rights. Sam and James also talk to Louis-Phillipe Myre, Director of Real Estate Development for Interloge, a Non-Market Affordable Housing Provider.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Joseph Reynaud, Chairman of L’Arche Canada – specializing in restructuring, insolvency and commercial litigation – and Lise Andrée Massé, Education and Prevention Manager at ANEB, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by eating disorders.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Stephen Bronfman who heads Claridge — a private equity firm — and Larry Waters, a retired finance professional with CIBC who founded the Two Cent Fund.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Susan Wylie, Executive Director of Le Nichoir, a non-profit that provides proper care and treatment for injured or orphaned wild birds and releases them back into their natural habitat. They also talk to David Rodrigue, Executive Director of the Eco museum Zoo.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Art Campbell, Director of Québec Homelessness Prevention Policy Collaborative and Ian Boeckh, President and Director of the Graham Boeckh Foundation, a private family foundation that is dedicated to transforming mental health services.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. This week, Sam and James speak to Hannah Ryan, a social integration services teacher. For the past 10+ years she has worked (and continues to)
at WIAIH West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped) as an Animator, Head Animator, and Lead at Summer Sleep away camp. They also speak to Adrienne Winrow, who is the Executive Director of Y4Y Québec. She has strengthened major initiatives such as Youth on Boards, which places young...

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. This week, Sam and James spoke to Jack Jones. an uber-volunteer: He has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Montreal for about a year, at On Rock for 15 years and at Hadley House for 20, where he sits on the board of directors in charge of the fundraising committee. Sam and James also give a well deserved shoutout to some difference makers in our community.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with, Douglas Leahy, Group Commissioner at Westmount Park Scouting. He has been the Westmount Park Scout Leader since 2004, and is on the Board of Directors of the St-Patrick's Development Foundation. They also speak with Scott Phelan, Vice President with the Montreal Irish Monument.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with, Robyn Dalton, Executive Director at LOVE (Canada). LOVE, or Leave Out ViolencE, started in the mid-1990s to reduce youth
violence by helping at-risk young people develop empathy and confidence, and Pascal Mathieu, VP at Canadian Red Cross Quebec, who became Vice President of the Red Cross in Quebec in 2015.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Marie Christine Le Bourdais, Director of Programs and Services – Partnership and Alliance Development at the Alzheimer Society of Montreal. Susana Lazaro is President and CEO of Diabetes Quebec. As a former nurse, Susana brings a deep, real-world understanding of the healthcare system and collaborates closely with healthcare professionals, hospitals, and government partners to drive meaningful change.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Dr. Olivier Farmer, a psychiatrist at Notre-Dame Hospital and an Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal. Mike Weston is the director of Andy’s House Treatment Centre. He co-founded Andy’s House Treatment Centre with the intention of filling a need for more heart-centered care in the recovery world.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Valerie Assouline who, with more than two decades of experience as a family lawyer, having been a prominent member of the Quebec Bar since 1998, founded SOS Avocats in 2007. Sandra Watson is Mental Health & Reintegration Director at the West Island Mission. Sandra has over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and seniors facing food insecurity, social isolation, grief, and complex psychosocial challenges.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Leslie Acs, Executive Director of La Passerelle, Leslie devotes his efforts top providing tools and support for mature workers’ re-entry into the workforce and creating public awareness of effective recruitment practices, including hiring mature workers. Millie Tresierra is co-founder of Family Care Collective, deeply implicated for almost two decades in advocacy for perinatal mental health resources as a Doula. Millie is a community advocate focused on working with ma...

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Jean-Rémi Mayrand, founder of Les Colocs de l'Ouest, a fabulous residential project on the West Island developed for young adults on the autism spectrum. Judy Martin is the Executive Director of the Hylcan Foundation, which accepts grant applications from registered charities across Canada.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with John Gladu, director of L’Aiguillage since 2014, an organization that offers support to the homeless population of Vaudreuil-Soulanges. Benoit Langevin is City Counsellor for District du Bois-de-Liesse, Arrondissement de Pierrefonds-Roxboro. He has consolidated a team of youth outreach workers in 10 municipalities on the West Island of Montreal.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode: Dr. Arwa Hussain, a Ph.D scholar specializing in religion, gender, and digital media. Arwa is a Sacred Writes Public Scholarship Fellow whose research on the religious agency of Dawoodi Bohra women has been recognized with the prestigious Prix Relève Étoile Paul-Gérin-Lajoie. Ryan Beauchamp is a Certified Athletic Therapist, personal trainer, and founder of “pebble,” a nonprofit initiative on a mission to make giving back accessible, flexible, and fulfilling for you...

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode: Leslie Roberts currently sits on the board of TALQ, formerly the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN), one of the province’s leading advocacy organizations for English-speaking Quebecers. Pearl Eliadis is an award-winning lawyer, educator, and author who has successfully led global human rights projects for the UN and other agencies, and has led in-country missions in China, Ethiopia, Nepal, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan and Timor Leste.

Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode: Alessia Di Giorgio, Director of Events at The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and Danny Williams, founder of the West Island Men's Shed.