Montreal is full of people committed to making a difference: there are stories of hope and redemption, beating the odds and overcoming unspeakable tragedies, stories of discoveries and of people who lead by example.

This week, there were some grand displays of solidarity in the wake of the Paris attacks, multiple arrests related to the mob and a look at a vital social service in dire need of help.

At Berri-UQAM metro Monday morning, New Yorker Matt Dajer stands tall, hand in hand with his two roommates, Ammar Kandil from Egypt and Thomas Brag from France.