Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to people who are shaping our community, bringing their stories into focus.
It on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and at midnight.
Take a look at who we’re meeting this week:
Corruption whistleblower Ken Pereira
We sit down with FTQ whistle blower Ken Pereira. The former union organizer’s explosive testimony at the Charbonneau Commission shed light on the extent to which organized crime has infiltrated Quebec’s largest union. Pereira shared his story, from his recruitment into the inner circle of the FTQ, to his decision to speak out, and the threats he received to keep quiet. Pereira and 1,000 of his FTQ colleagues have been banned from working in Quebec following the testimony which France Charbonneau called “brave.” You can follow Ken Pereira on Twitter here.
Fundraising for fire victims
We meet Catherine Harding, an NDG waitress who is fundraising for her friends who lost everything in a massive fire on January 10. Two young Montrealers lost their lives in the blaze: 18-year-old student Sarah Hassane and 22-year-old musician Luke Rachwalski. Luke’s girlfriend and her roommate continue to mourn, and Catherine hopes the fundraiser will help them get back on their feet. You can check out the page or make a donation here.
Dolphin therapy for Down’s Syndrome
We speak to an NDG family who turned to dolphin therapy to help their daughter, who has Down’s Syndrome. The parents of 18-year-old Atara Stolovitsky’s hoped the alternative therapy might help Atara open up, so they raised $12,000 to try it out. Erika Tencer and Jonathan Silver shared their experience. More information about dolphin therapy here.
Empowering children with ADHD
Learning specialist and ADHD coach Robin Bernstein took a break from preparing for an important seminar sponsored by the West Island Women’s Centre next week to talk about her seminar on “empowering your child – moving from chaos to calm” on Tuesday January 21. For more information or to attend the event on Tuesday, contact the West Island Women’s Centre at 514-695-8529 or visit their website.
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