Anne Stairs

Sonia (Tony) Raikes Smith can be certain of one thing. After years working with the Brome Missisquoi Youth Foundation, volunteering first as a director and then for more than 15 years as president, the organization is stronger than ever. Raikes Smith stepped down as president in September, handing the reins to Erin O’Brien and confident that the Foundation makes a positive difference for troubled youth in Brome Lake and the rest of Brome Missisquoi MRC.

Raikes Smith recalls a church sleigh ride years ago and hearing about a project to house vulnerable children and provide them with a safe, supportive environment. As she had prior experience as a busy social worker with a caseload of 40 kids, in a flash, she was recruited for the board. Raikes Smith has led many fundraising initiatives, including concerts,

Christmas wreaths, bridge tournaments, gala dinners – all to make the Foundation the flourishing charity it is.

The funds raised go to the Houses of Hope (Hopespoir in French), three homes for at-risk youth. It is the legacy trust of Yvonne Contat, who left a large sum of money to build and run the homes: Maison Contat, Le Tremplin and Espace-Vivant / The Living Room. The homes, built between 1998 and 2002, shelter French and English youth aged 6-17 who are neglected or vulnerable because of family violence or other problems. Under Raikes Smith’s leadership, the homes have developed quality programs to give children the help they need. Aside from emotional support, they pay for further education residents may need to succeed in life. The organization works with Quebec social services to run its programs.

Tony mentioned how rewarding it can be to run into former clients who have gone on to do well. Mothers sometimes express thanks forplaying a key part in resolving a dysfunctional home situation and helping their families. For sure, it’s had its challenging moments, she says, but it has been a labour of love to oversee the financial needs and management of these homes that offer both emergency and long term care.

Rev. Tim Smart of Sutton’s Grace Anglican Church is one of many who laud Reikes Smith’s work. “She has provided many years of leadership and inspiration,” he says. “Her care for the vulnerable children and youth in our region and the gift of her time and her talent ensuring there is a safe place for them has made all the difference in the lives of many young people.”

More information at https://hopespoir.ca/