Les sandwichs volants
Collège de Montréal

When you regularly come across the homeless on the streets of Montréal, you end up forgetting their very existence and the harsh realities that they have to face. A dozen students at Collège de Montréal therefore decided they would no longer turn a blind eye but instead go out and witness at close range homelessness and those who live with it. Every two weeks, the members of Les sandwichs volants project put together dozens of sandwiches, made coffee and prepared fruit and dessert and, following a set itinerary, went out to meet those who live on the streets to offer them something to ease their hunger all well as the care they need to ease their soul.

“The first time we went out to meet the homeless, we surprised many people. Among other things, I recall a woman who looked at me really funny, as though she didn’t quite believe what had hit her. We brightened up her day that time,” recounts Laurianne Charbonneau, one of the leaders of the project.

Though organized in its entirety by Secondary 5 students, the project nonetheless owes its existence to Guy Bérubé, pastoral counsellor and the person in charge of community involvement at Collège de Montréal. “The minute I suggested the idea, a dozen students signed up even though the basis of the project had not yet been completely determined,” he explains.

To provide support for the young people, Mr. Bérubé appealed to one of the school’s former students Marion Dulude, who is very involved in community support, and she was able to pass on her passion and knowledge to the young volunteers. “Marion quickly helped these students take on a leadership role and one after another they then assumed the responsibilities of the activity,” he points out.

But before starting to tour the streets, the group of students first took part in various training workshops, meetings and preliminary activities, and even went so far as to team up for three weeks with a group of young adults who also distribute food to the homeless. Then in January, the student members of Les sandwichs volants project launched their own operations and even established partnerships with local shops so as to obtain all they needed to prepare really nice meals.

Les sandwichs volantes has the merit of actually going out and meeting the homeless and this is not always the case with support organizations. By doing so, they are able to not only offer food, but can also establish privileged ties with the people they work with, taking the time to talk and listen to them, and thus help bring down the barriers of prejudice that so very often surround the homeless.

“You can sense that some of the people we meet are very lonely,” Laurianne explains. “There was a man once who just couldn’t stop talking to us. And I met another who told us that he never would have believed that one day he’d end up on the streets. It’s sad.”

Following a set itinerary covering three specific areas of the city, the visits from the different groups of students are now much awaited and appreciated. And when there are a few sandwiches left over, they quickly find takers. “They recognize us and greet us with a smile. Even when I just happen to be passing by, some of them recognize me, say hello and ask when I’ll be coming back with the sandwiches.”

Although it has only just got off the ground, the project is already making an impact. Young people at other schools have shown an interest in the project and would like to actively take part. What’s more, at Collège de Montréal, the graduating students have made a point of raising awareness among the Secondary 4 students who will be taking their place next year, asking them to take the helm and even improve and strengthen the project.

“Les sandwichs volants project is simple and touching. It brings a welcome and soothing breath of fresh air. When a homeless person looks you in the eye and sincerely thanks you, it makes all the hours spent preparing the project feel worthwhile,” Laurianne says in conclusion.

Les sandwichs volants
Collège de Montréal