Our History
A journey of support and adaptation for over 20 years
The history of L'Œuvre des Samaritains is a story of compassion, resilience, and community solidarity. Discover how a simple act of kindness gave birth to an organization that helps thousands of families every year.
1. How Are You?
In December 1999, Chantal goes to get supplies from a food bank, which she does out of necessity once a week to feed her family of 9 children. That day, one of the volunteers asks her how she is doing. She does it with such kindness and concern that Chantal opens her heart to her.
Things are not going well at all. The apartment where Chantal lives is infested with black mold, and these toxic fungi are making her whole family sick, especially the youngest ones.
Moved by Chantal's situation, the volunteer from the mutual aid organization proposes a visit to the apartment. What follows is a quick, necessary but oh so unpleasant succession of events.
Called urgently, a city inspector comes to evaluate the apartment. The verdict is clear: the house, too contaminated, is condemned and the family suddenly finds themselves on the street, a few days before Christmas.
Without a fixed address and without any belongings to their name, the family temporarily takes refuge in a small hotel room before being relocated to a shelter.
With the community rallying to help them and the media broadcasting their story on television and radio, the family eventually receives an incredible offer: a doctor particularly touched by their situation offers them a large house in Longueuil.
2. Motivated by Gratitude
Filled with gratitude for all the support their family received, Chantal and her husband, Sylvain, ardently wish to give back to the community.
Supported by his family, Sylvain quickly begins the process that will lead to the creation of L'Œuvre des Samaritains, a charitable organization whose primary objective is to help the homeless.
As he has training in French cuisine, Sylvain knows exactly what he needs: pots, burners, a truck, a place to store food, a cold room, a stove, etc.
He finds collaborators, shares his project with other organizations (Moisson Montréal immediately joins the project) and obtains equipment from local businesses.
3. Feeding the Needy
Two years later, in December 2002, Sylvain and Chantal's dream becomes reality. 3 to 4 times a week, at Place Émilie-Gamelin, Sylvain and his family serve good hot meals to more than 500 people.
"At first, I thought I was only feeding the homeless," confides Sylvain. He quickly realizes that this profile does not match the many people who come to receive meals. Yes, he serves homeless people but also many renters.
L'Œuvre des Samaritains gets noticed. With the media regularly talking about the organization, a new clientele shows up. The popularity of L'Œuvre brings new challenges.
4. L'Œuvre Sets Up Shop
For their cause, Sylvain and Chantal transformed their garage into a cold room and the basement of their house into a pantry and industrial kitchen. The city of Longueuil is firm: the couple lives in a residential area and must therefore cease their culinary activities.
It is this zoning problem that prompts Sylvain to look for a location in Montreal. In 2005, he establishes L'Œuvre des Samaritains at 10214 rue Lajeunesse. The food distribution center now serves Ahuntsic-Cartierville.
Not receiving government aid, L'Œuvre quickly faces financial difficulties. So, one fine morning, Sylvain ties his shoes and undertakes a walk-a-thon to collect donations, covering 800 km in 35 days!
5. Same Street, New Challenges
In 2007, L'Œuvre des Samaritains moves to 9413 rue Lajeunesse, in a building adequate in terms of space, but which requires a lot of maintenance. When the rains of 2009 hit Montreal, the building suffers such a significant sewer backup that L'Œuvre must interrupt its activities for a time.
Sylvain and Chantal roll up their sleeves and quickly get L'Œuvre back in operation. Their mission remains as clear as before: to meet the needs of the most disadvantaged in the community.
When Chantal becomes seriously ill in 2012, the community shows her so much support and gratitude that she is still moved by it today.
6. The Founder's Passing
On December 25, 2016, Sylvain's heart, so full of love for his family and compassion for the poor, suddenly stops. He passes away surrounded by his loved ones, with an entire community sharing their grief.
The Board of Directors of L'Œuvre accompanies Chantal as they try to find ways together to keep the organization active. If Sylvain was long the heart of L'Œuvre des Samaritains, Chantal has always been its iron fist. No question for her of abandoning the project!
7. A New Chapter
Since 2017, under the direction of Chantal Plouffe, L'Œuvre des Samaritains continues to grow and serve the community. Each year, we welcome more than 17,000 visits and distribute thousands of food baskets.
Our team of more than 50 active volunteers works tirelessly to ensure that every family is welcomed with dignity and respect. We have also developed strong partnerships with other organizations and local businesses.
The history of L'Œuvre des Samaritains is one of resilience, solidarity, and hope. It continues to be written every day thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers.
Be Part of Our History
Our story continues to be written thanks to you. Join us as a volunteer or support our mission with a donation.