2010-05-31
Érick Godin has been pretty busy lately. With the help of Julie Barrette, special education teacher, and Dominique Paquin, clinical administrative manager of the Psychotic Disorders Program rehabilitation unit at the Douglas Institute, he’s been working hard on the Monday, June 7 launch of a new summer dairy bar, Plaisirs Glacés.
This is a challenge that Érick, a young man in his late twenties, is looking forward to with great enthusiasm. The last few months have seen his life take a positive turn: he recently moved into an apartment after completing a series of treatments over several years at the Douglas Institute. It’s fair to say that Érick has had his share of hardship. He's been dealing with bipolar disorder since his youth and has also had to cope with a drug addiction problem and psychotic disorders. He's now in a transitional period, another important step in his recovery. Plaisirs Glacés promises to keep him busy all summer and will help him gain work experience that could come in useful later on.
Plaisirs Glacés – a refreshingly good cause
Through collaboration with the Douglas food services and a contract with Nestlé, Érick and his team will be selling luscious iced treats, fruit smoothies and frappucinos to passers-by, cyclists and local residents wanting to take a refreshing break in the cool greenery of Bruce Le Dain Park, located in the heart of the Douglas grounds.
Assisted by Julie, Érick will oversee supplies, service and administration for the project. He’s hoping not only to balance his books, but also to make a bit of a profit. “Because the profits will help fund activities for the beneficiaries of the Psychotic Disorders Program rehabilitation unit,” he explains. If the hot weather keeps up, sales certainly won’t be a problem and Érick can look forward to having his hands full. “In the summer, the Douglas grounds are always busy with Frisbee players, cyclists and pedestrians, who I’m sure won’t be able to resist our frozen desserts; they’ll come looking for us!” he adds confidently.
“We also want to meet the people who come to enjoy this urban oasis so that we can help raise awareness and reduce the stigmas associated with the Douglas and individuals living with a mental illness.”
So, the next time you're thinking of visiting our neck of the woods, make sure to bring some cash and treat yourself to some delicious Plaisirs Glacé. The dairy bar will be open from Monday to Friday, as of June 7 and until September 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please note that it will be closed August 2-16.
Choose from
Nestlé frozen desserts
Fruit smoothies
Frappucinos
Juices and healthy lunch boxes
When
Plaisirs Glaçés – Grand Launch: Monday, June 7, 2010
11:00 a.m. Opening speech and ribbon cutting
12:30 p.m. Wellington Centre choir
Where
Summer pavilion, Bruce Le Dain park, Douglas Institute (entrance at 6875 LaSalle Blvd.)
Information
Florence Meney
Media Relation
Communications and public affairs
Phone: 514-761-6131, ext. 2769
Cell.: 514-835-3236
florence_dot_meney_At_douglas_dot_mcgill_dot_ca
