The 13th Quebec Community Centres Day is highlighted by Little Burgundy Sports Centre
“By participating in recreational activities, people interact with others, break isolation, develop new skills, and all of this happens in a welcoming environment.”
Do you know about the community center in your neighborhood? If not, now is the perfect time to explore!
October 3 marked Quebec Community Centres Day, and the Federation Québécoise des Centres Communautaires et de Loisirs (FQCCL) encouraged everyone to visit their local centers. Over 87 community recreation centers across 11 regions welcomed the public on Thursday.
At the Little Burgundy Sports Centre, a variety of activities are offered, including swimming, soccer, badminton, yoga, martial arts, dance, arts, and even origami classes.
Since opening its doors in 1997, the center has supported thousands of newcomers, children, seniors, and families by encouraging active lifestyles, reducing social isolation, and helping them fully enjoy their neighborhood.
“We’re in a very multicultural environment, and for many new immigrants, it’s an entry point to access services and activities, and a way to get acquainted with their new neighborhood,” said Dickens Mathurin, Vice-President of the FQCCL and director of the Little Burgundy Sports Centre.
“By participating in recreational activities, people interact with others, break isolation, develop new skills, and all of this happens in a welcoming environment.”
A center like Little Burgundy is a vital resource for newcomers, including those whose first language isn’t French or English, helping them settle into their new community.
Dedicated staff, such as receptionist Keiri Milgar Alvarenga, are key to ensuring residents feel supported.
“Even for people who don’t speak French or English, I help them translate using their phones,” said Alvarenga. “I always find a way to make sure they can come here, even if we can’t communicate in the same language.”
Bradley Gaetan, a long-time employee of over 20 years, is driven by the opportunity to help children grow through after-school programs, sports, and arts, highlighting the center’s profound impact on young lives.
“As a youth in this neighborhood, I received a lot of help from community centers, and now my goal is to give back what I was given,” Gaetan shared.
“I also teach Taekwondo at the center, and seeing kids grow and eventually get their first jobs here, like counselors or lifeguards, gives them skills to move forward in life. That’s really rewarding to witness,” added Mathurin.
