Ranch Ehrlo Society worked further to break down barriers by hosting Quebec Member of Parliament Jonathan Genest-Jourdain.

MP Genest-Jourdain first heard of the work being done at Ranch Ehrlo Society by community member and Ranch advocate Mannie Amyotte of Namerind Housing, Regina. MP Genest-Jourdain and Mannie connected earlier this year at a Canadian Housing and Renewal Association conference in Ottawa. When conversation organically turned to helping and working with youth, discussion steered toward the operations of Ranch Ehrlo Society.

MP Genest-Jourdain said he was intrigued and wanted to hear, and see, more. Weeks later a special day-tour of Ranch Ehrlo was arranged and the MP arrived on site on Tuesday, July 23, 2013.

“It’s important to showcase for the future,” Genest-Jourdain said, addressing the youth and staff.

As the drummers prepared to pack up and the dancers rested, MP Genet-Jourdain took a moment to talk with the kids. As the tall man, dressed neatly in a sky-grey suit, knelt down, he met their eyes with his and began speaking in his native tongue. The children’s eyes widened and their smiles shone.

The exchange was welcomed by the kids as they related back with wonder.

“You just made a difference in those girls’ lives,” Director Randy O’Shaughnessy told Genest-Jourdain. “They haven’t shined like that since they have been here. You reminded them of good memories of home.”