Honoured for their devotion

The young Allégo Committee began in 2004 and for nearly three years have convinced Saint-Laurent residents to use alternative means to the car. By putting in place car-pooling and self-service bicycles, the committee is defined as ‘eco-responsible’ and hopes to be a point of reference for borough citizens.

"The participants from Allégo work with a personal conviction,” explained Patricia Bittar, city councillor for the Norman-McLaren District. “The success of the committee rests as much on the enthusiasm and motivation of its members as on their approach that is based on positive reinforcement."

"We never worked on this project with the aim of being rewarded, but it is great to see that our efforts are appreciated," said Allégo Committee President Élise Gravel with pride over being mentioned in the municipal employee category.

The non-profit institution les demeures Sainte-Croix, was also honoured in the community organization category. Dedicated to the creation of social housing for seniors age 65 and over, the organization met a pressing need in Saint-Laurent, according to the jury of the Ordre des Grands Laurentiens. Doctor Robert Lavigne, Luc Morin and Marcel Roy contributed voluntarily to the development of 131 affordable housing units for seniors.

"I am very proud of my grandpa,” said Luna Aguiar, the granddaughter of Marcel Roy. “He always thought of others and worked extremely hard. He is a model for me and I hope to be able to help people who are less fortunate than me."

For their involvement in research on scleroderma, a skin disease, the Crivello family was awarded the family prize. At a benefit dinner in 2006, they succeeded in raising $94,000 for medical research. The funds were given to the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group.

In the citizen category, Léo Maheu earned the applause of his colleagues and friends for his involvement at the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Society for nearly 35 years. He is also interim president of Surveillance du quartier Saint-Laurent and captain of his Pétanque team. At age 79 Maheu notes that all his volunteer hours helps keep him in shape. "Volunteering helps me to remain young and alert,” he said. “I am in better shape than the majority of people my age simply because I occupy myself and because I help others. I am not close to stopping."

The recipients of community organization, municipal employee and citizen prizes will be in the running for the municipal Mérite prize, given by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Regions within the framework of Municipality Week.

(Translated by Michael Beigleman)