Canada/Twinning makes its mark in Drummond

The Regroupement québécois du Parrainage civique (RQPC) and Parrainage Civique Drummond are proud to be associated with the Semaine québécoise de la Déficience intellectuelle, which runs from March 17 to 24, 2024 under the theme "J'ai ma place!".

At the heart of this theme is the desire to enable people to express their reality and to make Quebec an inclusive society, as well as to reflect on the place that people with intellectual disabilities occupy in everyday life.

To mark the occasion, the RQPC is organizing and launching its traditional Prix Gérard-Hamon 2024. This award recognizes outstanding twinning projects that are representative of a movement based on the values of mutual aid, friendship and cooperation. Civic sponsorship promotes sharing by pairing a person marginalized by his or her differences (intellectual disability, mental health, physical handicap) with volunteer citizens (godparents).

This year, the Citizen Match theme "What best illustrates your match?" invited matches to send in a photo of themselves and a brief testimonial about the relationship they share. In all, 50 twinnings representing 12 Citizen Advocacy organizations in Quebec submitted their entries to show how they take their place in society and win one of nine prizes awarded by the RQPC.

"Once again this year, the Parrainage Civique Drummond team encouraged twinnings to submit an application. We're delighted to be able to count on the participation of four twinnings in the prestigious Prix Gérard-Hamon. For our organization, it's important to take part in the award, to highlight intellectual disability week, and of course to shine a light on twinning," Michel Gouin, the organization's executive director, said in a press release.

Until April 18, people are invited to vote online for the People's Choice Award. The inspiring pairings that receive the most "Likes" on Facebook will win one of three prizes. You can vote by visiting the Parrainage civique Drummond page.

Everyone has a place in sponsorship

The organization currently has 1,138 active matches. However, 860 godchildren are still waiting for a volunteer to devote a few hours a month to their friendship and time. This enables them to break their solitude, improve their quality of life and develop their autonomy so they can better integrate into their community. People can make a real difference simply by sharing a little of themselves, their personality, their passions and their dreams with people who feel socially isolated.

In Quebec, 3% of the population lives with an intellectual disability, and 1.5% with an autism spectrum disorder. In the course of their lives, one Quebecer in five will be affected by a mental health disorder. (LPS)

Source: www.journalexpress.ca/