A quarter century of feeding children: interview with a passionate volunteer 

On November 19, our team had the privilege of taking part in a celebration in Luskville marking Hélène Bélisle’s 25 years of volunteer service with her program. She is an inspiring and dedicated figure, who perfectly embodies the spirit of generosity and community involvement. Her exceptional involvement has earned her the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, an award that recognizes the invaluable contribution of citizens to their communities.  

We had the opportunity to ask her about her fondest memories, what has fuelled her passion for so many years, and her experience with the breakfast program. 

Why Hélène Bélisle has been volunteering for 25 years 

What made you want to get involved with Breakfast Club of Canada?  

I was approached by a community organizer who had started a breakfast program and wanted to start the same thing in Luskville. He asked me if I would give him a hand. He’s a friend of mine, so I agreed to do it temporarily. And then, the magic happened, and I fell under the spell of the children and the Club’s mission. As someone who was already involved in community service, it wasn’t hard to rekindle the flame.

What are your most memorable moments from your 25 years here? Is there something in particular that comes to mind?  

The main thing, I would say, is the rewarding opportunity to cross paths with people who are also committed to promoting Breakfast Club of Canada and the benefits of this for the children.

And what keeps you going after 25 years?  

I think the answer is easy — it’s the children. It’s seeing the smiles in their eyes, recognizing how important each of us is in meeting their needs, and greeting them by name every morning. It’s something they may not always experience elsewhere. 

The impact of Breakfast Club of Canada on the children 

What do you think is the greatest impact of your commitment and that of Breakfast Club of Canada on the children?  

The presence of caring adults. Responding and just being there for them every morning. I think that’s what brings the most happiness to everyone, whether it’s the volunteers, both young and adult, and the children who benefit. 

Was there a moment when you were particularly touched? A child, an encounter, or a situation that made a lasting impression on you over the past 25 years? 

Over the years, sometimes grown-ups or teenagers will come up to me, no matter where I am, and say, “Oh my gosh, it was so much fun at the breakfast program. We loved it so much, we felt good.” They felt like part of a family in a way that was probably quite different from what they had. That’s it, it’s that feeling of having contributed to putting some sunshine in their lives. A spark.