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 Best of episode: John Hallward, President of Give Three and Mel Burns, a teacher who organizes the Outers Club.
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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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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29 Aug 2026 · 40 min
Difference Makers: Episode 50
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.
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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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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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13 Jun 2026 · 35 min
Difference Makers: Episode 39
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.
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