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A group of Christians has a new hero. Richard LeBlanc, who is hoping to
establish a facility for the homeless, has been lauded for his work with
Victoria’s street people. Hildegard Horie is one of the group that has nominated him for the Unsung
Hero award, which is sponsored by the First Unitarian Church of Victoria
and Victoria’s Community Council. She offers the following tribute to
LeBlanc.
RICHARD LeBlanc gives his time and talents for street
people.
He works with various churches, and many Christians are
supporting him – for we believe he is doing what Jesus told his
people to do: reaching out, without expecting anything in return. Through
our involvement in the Unsung Hero competition, we hope the love of Christ
will shine through and hopefully touch others.
Richard is one of very few who are not interested in
money or personal success, but in helping those who can' t help themselves.
Karen Davies, of Cedarwood Productions Inc. in
Victoria, writes of him: “Without ever judging anyone, he lets it be
known that he understands, supports and believes in them . . . He is
compassionate and loving towards everyone. He treats everyone with respect
and dignity . . . no matter what their background or their current
circumstance. He offers them sincere, practical and caring solutions, to
help them turn their lives around."
So far, Richard has helped some 430 young street
people. Most of them are now in full time employment, free of addictions,
with places to live and families of their own.
All of these people once were homeless and dependent on
welfare, until Richard met them and turned their lives around. Now they are
confident, happy individuals, looking forward to living fulfilled lives.
Richard does not have any self-interest, but is
fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. He is a quiet
person – but he is focused, and able to give guidance.
When he decided to establish a therapeutic community
for street people, he was met with great resistance by some local
residents.
Richard listened respectfully to their concerns, and
tried to reason and negotiate with patience, love and willingness to
understand a different perspective.
He always insists that solutions only work with the
cooperation of everyone. He even asked his supporters not to use the term
‘NIMBY’ (not in my backyard) to characterize his critics.
According to him, “it is not helpful to stigmatize people with
labels.”
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His passion is contagious – and so is his
vision. He can see it already: Woodwynn Farm – a safe haven for the
homeless, where they can forget their broken past and start a new life
through organic farming and learning life skills – thus gaining new
hope for their future.
We all would benefit from such a program. Businesses
and residents downtown would feel the difference; but, most of all, the
homeless themselves would be able to live lives of dignity and self
respect, as integrated and valued members of society – free from
addictions and able to live productive and happy lives.
Richard spends all of his time working with the
homeless; fundraising, planning, bringing a team of workers and volunteers
together, hoping that one day soon his dream will become reality. Most
people have never heard name; but all of us need more Richard LeBlancs
– he truly is an Unsung Hero.
We hope his vision of a community for the homeless soon
becomes a reality.
The Unsung Hero selection process took place at
the end of October. The winner will be recognized at a banquet in early
March. The event is a fundraiser, and proceeds will be contributed to a
charity designated by the chosen ‘hero.’
November 2008
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