Episode notes
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Andre Pereira, Xenia Project Manager & Director of Marketing and Communications for Giant Steps, which has championed autism education and inclusion in Montreal for nearly 45 years. Also, Chelsea Craig, elected Commissioner for Ward 2 at the English Montreal School Board. With back-to-school just around the corner, she's here to talk about her role and what's new at the EMSB this year.
Podcast
Difference Makers
Hosted by Sam Watts, the show features stories, interviews and listener interaction that aims to identify people and organizations doing good work in our community. There are so many great stories, wonderful people and iconic institutions that provide a variety of community services and activities.
More from Difference Makers All episodes →
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3 Oct 2026 · 20 min
Difference Makers - Episode 55 - Sophie Dalbec
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Sophie Dalbec of Habitat for Humanity, Quebec. Habitat for Humanity makes a difference in our community by making affordable homeownership accessible by removing barriers that can make owning a home impossible for many low-income working families and individuals.
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26 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Difference Makers: Episode 54
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Benita Goldin joins us from Contactivity Centre, a Montreal community centre that's kept seniors active, engaged and connected for over 50 years. Also, Nori Bortoluzzi from the Nota Bene Foundation talks about Crafted for Courage, a public art project turning handmade blankets into a statement against violence against women.
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19 Sep 2026 · 37 min
Difference Makers: Episode 53
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Julia Asselstine joins us from Literacy Unlimited, an organization working to improve adult English literacy across Quebec. Also, Jennifer Johnson joins us from CHSSN, the Community Health and Social Services Network, which works to improve access to health and social services for English-speaking Quebecers.
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12 Sep 2026 · 39 min
Difference Makers: Episode 52
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Ken Quinn joins us — a tireless volunteer across Montreal's Irish community organizations, including the St. Patrick's Society of Montreal, the United Irish Societies, and the Montreal Irish Monument Park project. Mona Beck joins us — President of Seniors Action Quebec, and author of a recent Montreal Gazette op-ed challenging Quebec's political leaders to spell out a real plan for seniors ahead of the provincial election.
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5 Sep 2026 · 37 min
Difference Makers: Episode 51
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, Daniel Rotman joins us from Equiterre, one of Quebec's leading environmental advocacy organizations working across food, climate, consumption and transportation. Also, Amanda Murphy joins us from O3 On Our Own, a Montreal nonprofit supporting young parents and their children through transitional housing and life-skills programming.
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22 Aug 2026 · 38 min
Difference Makers: Episode 49
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission shines light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with General Manager Anny Kirouac and Director of Shelter Medicine Vincent Paradis for Proanima, an animal services organization. Also, Betty Esperanza, founder of Skateboards for Hope, which uses skateboarding to build confidence and break cycles of poverty for young people.
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1 Aug 2026 · 37 min
Best of Difference Makers: Episode 46
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this Best-of episode, Ugo Dionne, a volunteer in Montreal's business/corporate community and Olivier Fitzpatrick, a young caregiver who helps families manage the effects of mental illness.
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25 Jul 2026 · 35 min
Best of Difference Makers: Episode 45
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. This week, Sam and James spoke to Jack Jones. an uber-volunteer: He has been volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Montreal for about a year, at On Rock for 15 years and at Hadley House for 20, where he sits on the board of directors in charge of the fundraising committee. Sam and James also give a well deserved shoutout to some difference makers in our community.
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11 Jul 2026 · 38 min
Best of Difference Makers: Episode 44
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this Best of episode: John Hallward, President of Give Three and Mel Burns, a teacher who organizes the Outers Club.
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4 Jul 2026 · 38 min
Difference Makers: Episode 42
Sam Watts of the Welcome Hall Mission and James Hughes of the Old Brewery Mission shine light on people who make a difference in society. On this episode, they speak with Alistair Price, President & CEO Centre Inicio, a Montreal Non-profit organization helping English-speaking Quebecers and newcomers who face unique employment challenges. Sam & James also talk to farmer Matthew Gay who has an “animal experience project” idea for the Chateaugay valley.
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