In 2020, Wendy de Souza shared her experiences as member of the LaSalle Table de quartier. In Saint-Léonard, the local Catholic-based Development and Peace chapter has been involved in community life for over 40 years. And we learned this good news just a few months later!

By Louise Royer, Director of the Social Action Office

Yves Bourassa receives a plaque in recognition of 40 years of involvement on the part of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in the Saint-Léonard community. 

Yves Bourassa shared with us that the local Development and Peace chapter was recognized from its outset by the community of Saint-Léonard (now the Borough of Saint- Léonard). The organization is indeed a founding member of the Saint-Léonard Table de concertation. During Development and Peace's 50th anniversary in 2017, three members of the group received certificates recognizing for their contributions to Development and Peace and to international solidarity in that field: Yves Bourassa, Murielle Mondou and Pierre Tremblay. The Saint-Léonard local group is listed annually in the Borough's Resources Directory.

The chapter first opened in 1980. Over the years, it has had three presidents:

• The late Françoise Perreault -Founder of the local chapter and member of the National Council for six years
• The late Mrs. Aline D'Amours - Member of the National Council for six years
• Mr. Yves Bourassa - Current President - Member of National Council for six years; Resource person for the Finance and Audit Committee of the National Council of Development and Peace for seven years

The local group has been and remains an active member of the Montreal Diocesan Council.

It is active in four parishes in Saint-Léonard: Saint-Gilbert, Sainte-Angèle, Saint-Léonard and Saint-René Goupil: fall awareness campaign and the Lenten Partage fundraising campaign
In addition to its activities at the parish level, the local Development and Peace chapter has organized and/or contributed to other activities, including a mobile exhibit on solidarity displayed at the Saint-Léonard Library. The group hosts a booth at Citizen's Day and participates in the volunteer recognition evening.

Each year, the group hosts a booth and addresses the annual event organized by the Association Haïtiano-Canado-Québecoise d'Aide aux démunis during the month dedicated to combating racial discrimination. 

The recognition by the Borough is a great a source of pride for all past and present members of the Saint-Léonard local group in tribute to their many years of benevolent solidarity both here and internationally. During the ceremony, 20 other Saint-Léonard organizations also celebrated a landmark anniversary and were honoured. Great work!
Congratulations and many more productive years to the local group in Saint-Léonard! 

Is one or more of your concerns represented by an organization at your local roundtable? To find out visit: http://www.tablesdequartiermontreal.org/
For more information, see: social@diocesemontreal.org