Blog

Commentary on what we’re discovering within L’Arche, with partners, and in Canadian culture

L’Arche is called to engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society. Through this blog, we hope to put a spotlight on the ways L’Arche in Canada is engaging with culture: what we are discovering, learning, and feel called to support or speak out against. We will put a light on our connections and collaborations with like–minded organizations and all who are building communities of inclusion and belonging.

We hope that this blog will contribute to a positive public dialogue on creating a more just, compassionate, diverse, and creative society.


Recent articles

A Hero Behind the Scenes

Beyond firefighters, medical staff, social workers and police officers, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that there are even more heroes among us. Truck drivers, grocery store clerks, cooks and couriers now rightfully hold an esteemed place in our collective consciousness as they put their health at risk to keep society functioning.

From Hyderabad to Lethbridge Who Would’ve Thought?

After Roop Chittineni finished high school in his hometown of Hyderabad, India he moved to Southern Ontario to pursue a degree in Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. He liked exercising and thought that if he learned more about the human body he could use that knowledge to elevate everyone’s life experience.

Memory Box: Pinewood Floorboards

What does a set of 1940s floorboards have to teach us about COVID living?

Stepping Up

When Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer stated that non-medical masks limit the transmission of COVID-19, L’Arche Saskatoon’s artsy residents also got to work. Out came the fabrics, scissors, thread and needles. Brock wanted to contribute using two of his greatest assets: his feet.

A Light Ahead

The social distancing caused by the pandemic has been trying. Thankfully, aside from those who have donated their time, money and ingenuity to help L’Arche, there are the health care workers, grocery store clerks and all those on the front line who are helping the L’Arche community get through this crisis. With their help, it won’t be long until the Gathering Place opens again and the community starts making new memories.

Second Life

Kris first met Joanna in L’Arche London, Ontario. She encouraged Kris to join L’Arche, and he did. They lived and worked side-by-side for six years until Kris moved to Nova Scotia. Still, they managed to see each other a few times a year and occasionally called one another about matters of life and faith. But this call was different.

The Gift of Dance

Dance is a profound gift; it’s an artistic expression, a mood enhancer, a workout, a surefire way to impress a date and a form of magic. A dancer can transform into a flower, a lion or their favourite pop star. Above all, dance is an act of joy. (We dare you to wiggle around for a minute and not feel happier than you were before.) The gift of dance, and all it provides, has found its way into L’Arche.

Life’s Tough Obstacles

It was late June. A park in Edmonton had been reserved. Food was stacked on picnic tables. Local students of all ages were dressed in taekwondo uniforms, preparing for their annual Break-a-thon. The Break-a-thon is an innovative fundraiser where martial arts students showcase their skills by breaking boards. For each broken board, donations are pledged and raised for L’Arche.

Taking our place in the inclusion movement

It is an important time for the accessibility and inclusion movement in Canada and the world, and L’Arche Canada is developing our capacity to take our place.

Silent encounter with the “man who repairs women”

Denis Mukwege begs us empathetically to remain attentive, to listen deeply to what is inherent in our human condition: our sensitivity and vulnerability.


Themes


News from L'Arche in Canada

November is Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (#IDAM2023)

Indigenous peoples of Canada experience a disability rate significantly higher than that of the general population.

Zoel Breau, interim community leader at L'Arche Montréal

L’Arche Montreal would like to announce the appointment of Zoël Breau as interim community leader.

New National Director of Philanthropy

We are pleased to announce that Sarah Kreplin will be joining our team as the National Director of Philanthropy on August 28th. Sarah has been working in the field of philanthropy since 2007, most recently as Director of Planned and Major Giving for Mission Inclusion. She recently obtained her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).