Episode notes
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 Suzanne Dalziel of CN Rail. CN has committed $100 million over the next ten years to launch its new signature giving initiative, CN Railroaders for Change, aimed at preventing homelessness across its North American rail network. Sam and James also talk to Caroline Samne and Lisa Felice of AMCAL Family Services, a non-profit community-based organization serving families in Montreal and its surrounding areas for 50 years.
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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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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4 Jul 2026 · 37 min
Best of Difference Makers: Episode 43
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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27 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Difference Makers: Episode 41
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 Denise Hupé, Executive Director of ABOVAS, a West Island nonprofit organization whose incredible volunteers help seniors and adults get to essential appointments on the island of Montreal. Sam & James also talk to the Honourable Anna Gainey, Member of Parliament for Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount and Canada's Secretary of State for Children and Youth.
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20 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Difference Makers: Episode 40
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 Jon Reider, Executive Director of Myra's Kids, a local organization dedicated to supporting children, youth and their families who are coping with loss and berevement. Sam & James also talk to Dr. Lionel Carmant, Quebec's Minister Responsible for Social Services – which includes efforts to address homelessness.
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6 Jun 2026 · 36 min
Difference Makers: Episode 38
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 Steven Atme, a Montreal-based musician, composer, speaker, and prominent advocate for autism and disability rights. Sam and James also talk to Louis-Phillipe Myre, Director of Real Estate Development for Interloge, a Non-Market Affordable Housing Provider.
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30 May 2026 · 35 min
Difference Makers: Episode 37
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 Joseph Reynaud, Chairman of L’Arche Canada – specializing in restructuring, insolvency and commercial litigation – and Lise Andrée Massé, Education and Prevention Manager at ANEB, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by eating disorders.
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23 May 2026 · 36 min
Difference Makers: Episode 36
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 Stephen Bronfman who heads Claridge — a private equity firm — and Larry Waters, a retired finance professional with CIBC who founded the Two Cent Fund.
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16 May 2026 · 35 min
Difference Makers: Episode 35
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 Susan Wylie, Executive Director of Le Nichoir, a non-profit that provides proper care and treatment for injured or orphaned wild birds and releases them back into their natural habitat. They also talk to David Rodrigue, Executive Director of the Eco museum Zoo.
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9 May 2026 · 36 min
Difference Makers: Episode 34
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 Art Campbell, Director of Québec Homelessness Prevention Policy Collaborative and Ian Boeckh, President and Director of the Graham Boeckh Foundation, a private family foundation that is dedicated to transforming mental health services.
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