SUMMER 2011

Heavyweight Champ Bermane "B-WARE" Stiverne Packs a Punch with Street Youth

This big guy may be soft-spoken, but his message is loud and clear just like his trademark left hook: "Set a goal and don't let go of it! Without a goal, you go nowhere."

Bermane "B-WARE" Stiverne is a Laval native who is just one fight away from becoming the WBC heavyweight champion of the world, and this summer, he was a special guest trainer at one of our boxing classes for homeless youth. Youth Services Director, Emmanuel Lafontant says it was a special moment for the class when B-WARE insisted on staying longer than scheduled. "We had a world champion give time and kindness to some street youth who've been neglected by their family and society. A world champion boxer was interested in them, took the time with them, taught them and gave them something they've lacked in their lives - a sense of importance."

33 year old Bermane says he wants to give back because in the past, others took the time for him. "I'm trying to inspire you guys, but you guys inspire me too," he told them, adding he'll stop by again before heading back to Las Vegas. "You're welcome anytime, man," was the chorus that echoed back to him. "This is your gym now!" Even his manager, Camille Estephan, says this was one of the highlights of his career. B-WARE is in line to fight the winner of the Vitali Klitschko - Tomacz Adamek match slated for September.

We would like to thank Bermane, Camille and Jamieson Boulanger for making this special evening possible.

Back-to-School with Heads Held High 2011

10th Year Anniversary

This summer marks the 10^th anniversary of our back-to-school distribution of school supplies for children of underprivileged families. 2,200 back packs filled with school supplies will be handed out on August 18^th and 19th as part of our mission to promote the importance of education. We also hope to remove some of the stigma often associated with this type of distribution by making it a fun day of activities for the whole family. This year, it's a western-theme with a saloon, pony rides, performers, music, inflatable games, face-painting, snacks and many more surprises! We would like to thank our partners; the Marcelle and Jean Coutu Foundation, The Aldo Group and UPS as well as our many sponsors and supporters for having a heart for the well-being of children.

Postal Service Finally Picking Up

mailbox Thankfully, mail service is getting back to normal. During the postal dispute and subsequent lock-out, Welcome Hall Mission was profoundly affected by a drop in donations since we depend on the postal service for the majority of our fundraising activities.

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Coeur à Soeur

Youth Services also has a program for pregnant street youth. We recognized this need within our female clientele who arrive at our Youth Services suppers either pregnant or with their babies. They want to offer their children a better life. Our counselors come alongside them with support, guidance and assistance with housing, referrals and amenities. We throw them baby showers and provide diapers, clothing and furniture as well as food baskets with baby formula and groceries. Since January, this program has helped close to 200 young mothers.

New Addition!

It's a 3rd CHAIR for the Jim Lund Dentail Clinic at Welcome Hall Mission

Great news! They delivered our third dental chair in early July! Now, more low-income and homeless people will receive much needed care. Some 500 patients have been treated since the dental clinic was first opened in November 2010. The demand for this service is so great that we are already booking appointments for 2012!!! Therefore, Welcome Hall Mission and the McGill Faculty of Dentistry are looking for ways to offer this service 5 days a week. It's an opportunity to serve the community as well as train the next generation of dentists.