One of the things I have really appreciated since first being elected to city council in 2005 is the close relationship Côte Saint-Luc has with Community Police Station 9. We have a wonderful connection with Commander Sylvain Bissonnette, a prince of a human being, and we know most of his inner circle. Police Station 9 covers CSL, Hampstead and Montreal West. Neighbouring Police Station 11 covers N.D.G.à
On May 22, the two stations joined together to host a fundraising breakfast at Cora on St. Jacques Street West to benefit Special Olympics Quebec, enriching the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through sport. For $7 we got a full course breakfast and the chance to chat with our police officers. More than $4,000 was raised.
Roxanne Pitre , the commander of Station 11, was there. So was one of her officers, Mira Levesque who helped initiate the project. Marie-Christine Nobert, the veteran socio-cultural officer at Station 9m was her usual charming self. Marie-Christine works closely with the schools and community groups. CSL City Manager Tanya Abramovitch, Legal Counsel Cheri Bell, Diector of Public Safety Jordy Reichson and Councillors Glenn J. Nashen and Ruth Kovac were among those on hand. It was an enjoyable morning. Commander Bissonnette introduced me to Patrick Lalonde, who is an assistant director of the Montreal Police Department and a head of regional operations.
I also shared a moment with Jessica Ipekian Levitt and David Allan, two of the Special Olympians who were helping show people to tables and serve.
Bravo to everyone involved!