Full circle moment at Batshaw Foundation’s fundraiser in Montreal

Montreal foodies came together Thursday night in Saint-Henri for a good cause — helping kids and teens in need.

The event, called “A Taste of Montreal”, was put on by the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres Foundation which helps vulnerable children, youth, and families in need.

“The Batshaw Foundation really steps in wherever like public funding stops. We do things like helping kids get bus passes to be able to go to work or to get interviews. We help them with housing and getting them access and as they age and have care with things like tutoring for young kids and even like really fun things that are like going to La Ronde or water park in the summer that just makes them feel happy and feel like kids,” said Bisma Ansari, President of the Batshaw Foundation board.

Guests got to enjoy a Montreal-inspired menu created by Chez Mylo — a local catering company standing out for its creative meals, and also founded by Jesan Mylvaganam, a former Batshaw client.

“They helped me really focus on my passion and they guided me towards my goals and they helped me get into cooking school and just follow through with that. And from there I just went out on my own,” said Mylvaganam.

What began with support from Batshaw came full circle. Years later, the Foundation became one of his clients.

“It’s surreal, unbelievable, you know. I’m very happy about that. I did not expect that to happen ever, but hey, here we are,” added Mylvaganam.

A silent auction offered up exclusive items and experiences — all to raise money for programs that empower youth and help them build stronger futures.

“Our goal for tonight is to raise a hundred thousand dollars. It’s a big goal but we’re excited to go for it and, again, making sure that every single one of those programs those dollars goes to a program,” said Ansari.

Batshaw Youth and Family Centres are looking for multicultural homes and English-speaking foster families to help young people have a safe place to stay. Ansari has been a Batshaw foster parent for five years and encourages others to consider it.

“Being able to open your home into these kids needs when they need them for sometimes a small period of time can change their entire trajectory of their life.”

Any families interested in fostering can visit the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres’ website for more information.