Memories/Slices of life – Welcoming an immigrant family to Sherbrooke

In 1979, the parish called on volunteers to sponsor immigrant families. The Huard couple and I formed a group to welcome the Luong family.

The family had just arrived from Vietnam. The father, mother and their charming 6-year-old daughter moved to Wellington Street. There was no housing crisis in those days…

When we first visited them, language was a major barrier to communication. The father had learned French in high school but could only remember a few words, so we spoke in French with lots of gestures! Fortunately, their writing included an alphabet, which made things easier for long-term exchanges.

We helped them with various administrative formalities (such as obtaining a RAMQ card) and with their daily integration into the city of Sherbrooke and its population (getting around the city on foot and by bus, handling money, grocery shopping…). To break the isolation of the early days, the Huard family invited them to their home for meals, and I invited them to the Marguerite-Bourgeoys convent. With Sister Nicole Pronovost, we also took them to visit the Botanical Garden in Montreal.

After a few weeks, the parents found work in a shoe factory and were finally able to start their life in Canada. They stayed in Sherbrooke for three years and then moved to Toronto. The family has grown with the arrival of two brothers. They have kept in touch with me.

I consider this exceptional encounter to be a favour granted by life. I will never forget it, and its echo will always resonate in my heart.