Collects pins and tabs to make a difference

Sonia_RaynaldBy Raynald Arsenault

1967: Raynald began his career in the kitchens of the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR) without suspecting that he would still roam the corridors, more than 50 years later, for a completely different activity. His trigger was Sonia, a 12-year-old girl with a serious blood disease. It was upon seeing her that Raynald vowed to do something to help the little patients at the HMR in his own way. Without any pretension, he started collecting pins and bread ties at the HMR, in schools and from relatives.

Nothing deters Raynald, who now raises a few thousand dollars each year. Since 1994, his fundraising efforts have provided more than $ 60,000 to the Neonatal Unit and Pediatrics for the purchase of medical equipment and other materials for young patients.

These are small everyday items. Collecting them doesn’t cost anyone anything. At first, I collected very little. The first year, I struggled to raise $ 50.Raynald Arsenault

Little Sonia has grown up. Saved by the first bone marrow transplant in Quebec, she has also found a way to give back . Today, she devotes herself to caring for others as a nurse … at the HMR.

If I inspired Raynald, it is also inspiring people like him who make all the difference. The good memories I have of my stay at the HMR are also due to the small attentions of all the employees like Raynald who crossed my path. Each person and each gesture are important. Raynald is the best proof of this even today!Sonia

To this day, Raynald continues his collection work with passion and determination.