Meet Claude, a Grandfather Who Helps Create Healthier Tomorrows  

In honour of Father’s Day, we wanted to acknowledge the dedication of Claude, a caring and loyal Club volunteer at Du Parc School in Quebec since 2011. After serving as a director of criminal investigations for a federal agency, Claude wanted to use his retirement to write a new, forward-looking chapter in his life by helping children. 

“I wanted to do something for kids because they are the future.” 

For over a decade, Claude has been getting up early to prepare and serve breakfast and, above all, bond with the children he welcomes every morning. He remembers how, when the program started, some children had to climb a big hill on an empty stomach or spend over 45 minutes on the bus to get to school. Today’s challenges include integrating children from immigrant backgrounds who have different languages, cultures and eating habits. The Club is a place of meaningful connection for them. 

For Claude, the little moments are what stick with him most. For example, he remembers a morning in April when nothing was going right: ice covered the iron staircase to the breakfast room, the volunteers were no-shows, and the food was late. A Grade 6 volunteer, who had newly arrived from Africa, went up to him to find out how he was doing: 

“You seem stressed, Monsieur Claude…” 

Everything was new for this girl — the cold, the environment, the customs and the food. Before coming to Canada, she had lived with her grandmother, who ended up staying behind in her native country. 

“Despite everything this child was going through, she was the one worried about me. I didn’t know what to say.” 

These simple acts of mutual sincerity and kindness are what give his commitment meaning. What Claude likes best is connecting with the children, asking them questions, listening to them and empathizing with what they have to say. After all these years, what motivates him most is seeing their smiles every morning. 

“I’m here for the children. I’m not here to judge.” 

With five grandchildren of his own, Claude knows the importance of having kids start the day with a full belly and a light heart. He wants these children to know that the hunger cycle can be broken and that caring adults will always be there to support them. 

“For me, Father’s Day is about honouring all the parental figures who watch over us.” 

For all the dads and granddads out there who want to know how to make a difference, Claude has a simple tip: 

“Get involved. Anything you do, no matter how small, will have a huge impact.” 

Thank you, Claude, for your dedication and your big heart.