Montreal is a gathering place for all the nations of the world. When French explorer Jacques Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence River in 1535 and met with natives of Hochelaga, he was impressed by a mountain nearby, which he named Mount Royal. Over a hundred years later, in 1642 French Catholics founded a mission post in the area, and called it Ville-Marie (City of Mary). This village eventually became more associated and assumed the name Montreal. Surrounded by rivers, Montreal is an island city, connected to mainland by bridges and tunnels. This gives Montreal some unique qualities.
The Montreal CPS Boys unit started in 1990 with houseparents and two boys. The boys made their way to their jobs on bicycle, busses and the Metro.
Welcome Hall Mission – checking clients in as they come into the food bank, and handing out food in the line, sort food, office help
Montreal General Hospital – assisting in the dialysis ward and the emergency ward
MacKay Centre School – helping students with assignments, and helping with office work
Metro Singing – booking a spot, and singing with houseparents and missionaries
They spend a lot of time packing tracts and distributing them. The boys also take French classes
In the past, they have volunteered for Meals on Wheels, packaging individual meals and delivering them for St. Andrews Anglican Church, assisting the physiotherapist and helping with feeding at mealtime, helping with activities and visiting with residents at the Grace Dart Hospital