Our Charity Partner
About L’Arche Saint John
L’Arche Saint John is a vibrant community where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together and support one another. Since opening in 2005, they’ve been committed to creating spaces of belonging, inclusion, and mutual care right here in Saint John, New Brunswick.
As part of the international L’Arche movement, which includes over 150 communities worldwide, their focus is on relationships — offering real, human connection in a world that often overlooks the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities.
Their Mission
L’Arche Saint John celebrates the value of every person.
Their mission is to make known the gifts of adults with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
Funds raised at Germain Street Open will support L'Arche's Creative Connections Program
Creative Connections is where creativity comes alive.
This inclusive downtown art studio brings together 16 artists with intellectual disabilities, alongside educators, volunteers, and community members, to explore visual arts, grow their creative practice, and connect through shared expression.
It’s a space of learning, belonging, and bold artistic voice—and your support helps it thrive.
Why Fundraising Matters
L’Arche Saint John is a registered charity, and each year, we must raise about 50 per cent of our annual budget to continue offering our programs and services. While some support comes from government funding, it doesn’t cover everything — especially the aspects of our programs that create real community and joy.
This year we're fundraising over $175,000 for Creative Connections, or about $11,000 per artist per year.
Fundraising ensures we can continue to:
● Provide high-quality, person-centred support
● Offer inclusive programming through Creative Connections
● Create opportunities for friendship, growth, and celebration
Meet a one of L'Arche's core members
Each core member at L’Arche brings their own personality, gifts, and story. Here’s just one of the many people whose life is directly impacted by your support:
Patrick
When Patrick was 25, he was renting from a nice young couple who had two dogs and a little girl. When the family decided to relocate to Alberta, Patrick and his mom started researching his options and learned about L’Arche.
“My first visit to McKim House, Mom and I took our vehicle to Saint John (from Moncton) with a printout of a map from Google Maps. We found it in no time and I was talking with the core members, and they gave me a tour, and offered me hot chocolate and a cookie.”
A longtime resident of McKim House, Patrick brings warmth, rhythm, and connection to community life at L’Arche. He’s known for his love of music — especially the piano — and for sharing his talents at local events and gatherings. He also enjoys creating art at Creative Connections, traveling, and playing sports with the Special Olympics.
Patrick has a great sense of humour and a knack for puns, always ready with a quick joke to brighten someone’s day. Whether he’s crafting a new piece or cracking a pun, Patrick’s presence is full of heart (and good laughs).
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