Molson in the Community

Yvan: Molson’s Monique Depatie (Molson’s community donations and corporate giving officer) knew of my interest in woodworking, so she asked if I would be interested in helping to promote the program. I enjoyed meeting the young adults who are in the program, asking them about their interests and so on. It’s a great program. Molson has donated $20,000 to support the woodworking and cabinetry courses for these individuals.

Molson: What are the goals of the Boulot vers program?

Yvan: It’s designed to help young adults who’ve dropped out of school or encountered some difficulties, but who have an interest in learning something new. They can gain valuable new skills, and they get some support and some encouragement along the way as they gain some work experience.

Molson: How does the program work?

Yvan: It’s a six-month program where young adults—and I was pleasantly surprised to see that young women are interested in woodworking as well—learn many aspects of cabinet making and woodworking. There’s a follow-up segment afterwards well, when participants get help landing an apprenticeship or preparing a resume.

Molson: I understand that woodworking is one of your favourite pastimes? You’ve built an armoire and carved doors for your home, among other pieces?

Yvan: It’s become one of my favourite activities. I took woodworking and cabinetry courses three or four years ago now, and I am really enjoying it. I told the young people at Boulot vers that it’s a great thing to be able to build something with your hands. I joked with them that when they need furniture they don’t have to go a store—they can simply make what they like.

Molson: Why do you think the Boulot vers program continues to be a success?

Yvan: The value of this type of program is that it helps those who have dropped out of school or lost their footing to move forward again, to get a fresh start, learn some new skills. The program has been around for nearly 25 years, and it has helped a lot of young people during that time.

Molson: What are your plans for the summer?

Yvan: I have my annual golf tournament in August for the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation and some activities as Ambassador for the Canadiens. (Cournoyer is one of five team Ambassadors for the Canadiens, following the former team captain’s 10 Stanley cup wins and his all-star role in the 1972 Summit Series.)

Molson: Do you think a program like this can make a real difference?

Yvan: The first question I asked the Boulot vers participants was, “Do you like doing what you’re doing?” And they said yes. That’s very important. It’s not just an opportunity for a fresh start, but a chance to do something they enjoy, something they value and that can open some doors.

For more information: Les Boulot vers