Singer Louis-Jean Cormier takes up the torch of a role assumed for decades by Dan Bigras: he becomes spokesperson for the Montreal Youth Shelter.
The organization, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, helps young men in difficulty and who are homeless. The Refuge was represented for 32 years by Dan Bigras, who bowed out in 2022.
Bigras was also the face of the famous “Show du Refuge”, which will be back this year with its new spokesperson.
The show, which is scheduled for December 5 at La Tohu, is a major fundraising event for the organization — it raises 25% of its annual needs.
The program has not yet been announced, but tickets are on sale Tuesday morning.
France Labelle, co-founder of the Refuge, welcomed the arrival of Louis-Jean Cormier, who, according to her, will help the organization “carry [son] message even further.”
“I am proud to take on this new role within the Montreal Youth Shelter. It is an honor to be able to contribute to this essential cause which helps the most vulnerable young people,” Cormier said in a press release.
Dan Bigras announced in 2022 that he was resigning from his duties because he felt “tired, out of ideas”.
“I’ve been doubting and postponing my decision for several years… which has now been made. It’s time to give way to others, younger and crazier,” he wrote on social networks.
The “Show du Refuge” has been held since 1991 and broadcast since 1993, notably thanks to the late producer Guy Latraverse.