An Evening of Celebration to Mark Dans la rue’s 35th Anniversary
Staff, donors, partners, members of the business community and friends of Dans la rue gathered together, on May 10, to the evening for the Dans la rue des jeunes event and to celebrate 35 years of service.
Presented by CN and Sun Life and emceed by Jean‑Marie Lapointe, the cocktail reception at Maison Alcan raised more than $200,000 to help youth experiencing homelessness, prevent them from becoming entrenched in street life and empower them to build a brighter future for themselves.
“The hopes we have for these youth are encapsulated in our vision of being a driving force in preventing youth homelessness,” said Cécile Arbaud, Executive Director of Dans la rue. “We work toward this vision by supporting each youth, backed by the partners who are here with us tonight, and by collaborating with various stakeholders and sectors, including family aid, youth protection, education and health — mental health in particular. Ours is a proactive approach to ensuring systems and policies are better geared toward helping struggling youth find a way forward.”
Over time, Dans la rue has developed a multifaceted strategy to meet the needs of homeless and at-risk youth. Every year, more than 1,000 12- to 25-year-olds are helped by the organization’s programs and services, the core purpose of which is to facilitate their transition to a more independent and rewarding path.
“Giving back is embedded in our DNA here at CN,” said Bernd Beyer, CN’s Vice-President and Treasurer. “For more than a century, we have been committed to doing our part to forge stronger and safer communities. We have been proud supporters of Dans la rue for many years now. We believe in their mission and we know that the impressive work they do has made a real difference in the lives of tens of thousands of youth and families in crisis.”
“In the past 35 years, Dans la rue has become an essential service for our community,” said Robert Dumas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun Life Quebec. “I commend the remarkable work done by Dans la rue’s counsellors, volunteers and leaders in reaching out to homeless youth. Through their actions, they are keeping Pops’ dream alive. He was an incredible man around whom an entire ecosystem emerged to build a healthier and more sustainable community for everyone.”
Founded in 1988 by Father Emmett “Pops” Johns (1928–2018), Dans la rue is committed to helping homeless and at-risk youth. With dedication, empathy and respect, and with the support of the community, Dans la rue cares for their immediate needs and helps them acquire the skills and resources needed to lead more autonomous lives.
