The Jeannois have honored the reputation of their hospitality since the start of the forest fires in Chibougamau. Everywhere in Roberval, the population multiplies gestures of generosity towards the evacuees, welcoming strangers under their roof and simmering dishes to complement the meals served at the emergency reception center erected at the municipal arena.
On Wednesday evening, the best shepherd’s pie in Roberval was perhaps in the cafeteria of the accommodation camp set up at the city’s sports center. A creamy mash, crowned by a generous portion of braised pork, courtesy of Le Draveur resto-bar and its kitchen team.
“As soon as we saw the extent of it, it was fast, fast, fast,” says the co-owner of the establishment, Marie-Ève Blackburn. We said to ourselves: “Go, we have to do something.” »
As of 8 am Wednesday, the company contacted its suppliers, who all embarked on the momentum of solidarity, offering everything, “from plastic forks to potatoes”.
Quickly, Le Draveur took charge of preparing the dinners. A different menu awaits the evacuees until Saturday. “You have to vary the meals a bit, explains the owner, laughing, otherwise people will get sick of being here! »
Wednesday evening, 135 meals found takers at the municipal arena. In addition to shepherd’s pie, a large food banner in the area offered trays of sushi. A spaghetti, this one prepared by the Parc’s convenience store squad, completed the menu—with baked cookies for dessert.
“It feels good, a welcome the same”
This attention to the well-being of people in need made the mayor of Chibougamau say on Thursday that Roberval was in the process of establishing “a new international standard” in terms of welcoming evacuees.
From 9 a.m. on Thursday morning, two huge pies, a dish that Lac-Saint-Jean is famous for, were cooking in the oven at the Parc convenience store. The place has never lived up to its name so well: not only has its owner, Marlène Boivin, decided to simmer meals for the Chibougamois in distress, she has also opened its doors to two displaced couples.
“Me, I believe that in life, we are not rich from what we have, but rich from what we give”, says the lady with the happy eyes. Two boarders left for Quebec to find their son. Huguette Boulet and her husband, Jean-Claude Leroux, both 81, meanwhile intend to stay as long as necessary with the one they already consider a new friend.
“Of course it feels good, to find a welcome in the same way”, underlines the husband. At his side, his wife, energetic, says that the prospect of sleeping on cots in the reception center did not delight them.
“Me, I’m in good shape, but my husband is sicker,” she explains. We are really happy to have come across Marlène, she never stops spoiling us! »
“I don’t want to let them go, they’re so friendly,” the hostess laughs. Sincerely, I wish them to come back on Saturday because I understand the situation, but they don’t bother me so much. I will try to keep them comfortable and comfortable for as long as necessary. »
No one yet knows when the 13,500 evacuees from Quebec will be able to return to their homes. Huguette and Jean-Claude, them, listened to the television, Thursday morning, at the time when their mayor spoke to the press, attentive to the least news.
“If I was in their situation and I found myself far from home without anyone, like stored in a corner, I would not be comfortable,” says Marlène Boivin, before turning her gaze to her residents and tell them: “You are at home here. »
In the kitchens of Le Draveur, the brigade was busy for a second day in a row. “Tonight is mac ‘n’ cheese says co-owner Nick Gingras. It’s comforting and the kids will love it! »