Félix Leclerc, a famous Quebec poet, once sang: My shoes have travelled a lot. Nowadays, many itinerants could sing of their long daily walks from one street to another, from one metro station to another. Their aching feet, hidden in their badly worn-out shoes, are in dire need of physical treatment, but loving care is also needed for their hurting hearts.
by Marie-Paule Sanfaçon, m.i.c.

The Itinerancy Phenomenon

Itinerancy is a growing problem. It's a social phenomenon which is difficult to decipher because each case is unique. However, there are general criteria that characterize itinerancy: lack of lodging, low revenue, mental illness, alcoholism, drugs, etc. The homeless belong to no specific group. In Montreal, there are more than 30,000 of them, including women and youth. Some are street people by choice, so as to be free, others reject the consumer society, but there are also the unfortunate ones.

The high-cost of living is a factor that contributes to increasing the poverty level of the population. Social services cannot always measure-up to the expansion of itinerancy, particularly in large cities. This is becoming a world-wide problem.

A Question of Trust

In December 1997 a few nurses specializing in foot care decide to come together as a team to be at the service of the itinerants at l'Accueil Bonneau in Montreal. They want to provide relief to these indigents and give them the chance to rediscover their profound values. The Directress of the Centre welcomes the initiative with open arms; it is a generous offer which corresponds to a real need. So often, blistering feet reflect sufferings of a greater depth.

At first, the task is not easy. Foot care is not a tradition nor an option for those who habitually come to the Centre. Therefore, trust has to be established. Who will dare come first? Gradually, a few take the risk and line-up, perhaps they are the ones who suffer the most. Somewhat reluctant and ashamed to show their unkempt feet and worn-out shoes, they nevertheless give it a try.

A volunteer nurse states: They arrive without enthusiasm, sad, haggard-looking because of life's hardships. After some time, the itinerants tells us: How good this feels, we are lucky to have you. With expertise and trained hands, the nurses cheerfully use their instruments and gently apply moisturizing cream. Soft corns, calluses, chapped heels, blisters, all are well treated. What a good feeling for these less fortunate! Nail cutting is then followed by a thorough massage; this brings the well appreciated treatment to completion.

An Exceptional Apostolic Work

In a friendly and warm environment, the foot care clinic is open one Saturday morning per month. A well ventilated space is provided for this purpose. Sister Gaétane Perron, M.I.C. is one of the pioneers in this kind of apostolic work. Faithful to her commitment, she has been treating her clients with love and care for the past ten years. Not only does she bring comfort to the feet but she offers a special balm to the hurting hearts, who experience solitude and sadness. She says: For someone who walks 30 kilometres a day, the feet are just as important as a car. The task never repels her. Like Jesus, washing the feet of His Apostles, Sister Gaétane experiences deep joy in helping others. Her reward? Reading on the faces all the sincere gratitude one can express.

Approximately sixty itinerants come regularly to the improvised clinic. Sister Gaétane notes: We could come every week and we would always have clients. We refuse no one. The number of those who present themselves is increasing; they line up and wait for their turn to come. All are welcomed and treated without any discrimination and without any questioning. One of them, Jean-Marc, said: All my buddies come here. They told me it helps them feel good, so I decided to try it. Publicity is free and efficient: it goes by word of mouth.

Uplifting Their Self-Esteem

Above and beyond giving comfort to the feet, the clinic offers its clientele a way of rediscovering their dignity. After showering, the clients go to the cloakroom to find shoes and clean clothes. Then, they have a good hot meal in a family-like and friendly atmosphere.

For the nurses, these gatherings become a unique source of clinical experiences and an exceptional professional network. This kind of volunteer work is one of the most gratifying, according to the seven nurses involved in this project.

Sister Aurore Larkin, S.G.M., newly appointed Directress of l'Accueil Bonneau affirms: Such a service contributes in building the self-esteem of the itinerants. The message it carries: "We do something for you because you are worth it". Without any doubt, as they tend to the feet, the volunteer nurses touch the hearts that so often need healing.