Francis is a man who has lived at L’Arche Beloeil for 15 years.

For a numbers of years now he has been collecting bottles and cans to buy himself some goodies. His friends at work (Francis works in a factory) would regularly bring him some.

We talked with him about the communities which had a greater need than our own. After reflecting on it, Francis decided to give his money from the bottle collection to L’Arche Haiti, and since that time he is acutely interested in what is going on in Haiti.

He often listens to the news and when something is happening in Haiti he will ask Isabelle what is happening in the communities. He also speaks to his workmates about what is going on in Haiti and that he is supporting L’Arche there with the proceeds of bottle collecting.

After hearing of this, his friends at work have doubled and tripled the number of bottles and cans they bring to him and they have also built him a little wagon to attach to his bicycle for his safety as he takes them to the corner store for recycling.

Friends of the community and members of the Board also bring him bottles. In just 1 year, Francis has saved over $600.00. Every evening Francis carries the communities of Haiti in his prayers.

Here is a little dialogue I had with him:

- Francis, who do you collect the bottles for?
- For Haiti of course.
- Are you going to continue?
- Yes, I’m not quitting, the guys at the shop are bringing even more.

Francis’ dream is to collect all the bottles in Beloeil…I don’t know if our garage is big enough!

Written by Francis and Sylvie