From September 20 to 21, 2025, the Chez Doris team will proudly take part in the Marathon Beneva de Montréal, the biggest running event in Quebec. Beyond the sporting challenge, it’s a profoundly human mission that motivates our every step: to offer essential support to women in precarious situations in Montreal.
Chez Doris is a community organization that helps thousands of vulnerable women every year. Through a range of services, we offer them a break in their difficult everyday lives: hot meals, clothing, emergency shelter, mental and physical health programs, administrative support, access to employment and much more.
Our presence at the Beneva Marathon is much more than just a sporting challenge: it’s a powerful way of building awareness, mobilizing people and raising funds. It’s also a demonstration of solidarity, a way of telling all these women that they’re not alone. This year, we’re aiming for an ambitious but necessary goal: to raise $25,000!
Why do we run?
For us, taking part in the Beneva Montreal Marathon is an act of commitment, compassion and solidarity. Here are the reasons why we wear our sneakers:
1. To increase the visibility of women’s precariousness in Montreal
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Precariousness has a thousand faces: homelessness, domestic violence, isolation, addictions, mental health, immigration without status, old age without support. Each woman we welcome has a unique story, often marked by systemic injustice and immense challenges.
By taking part in a major event like the Beneva Marathon, we want to give these women a voice. We want to remind people that behind every number lies a life, a struggle, a dignity. Through our presence, we raise public awareness of the realities of these often invisible and neglected women.
2. To raise essential funds for our mission
Our goal for this 2025 edition is to raise $25,000 to continue providing essential services to women in need. These funds will allow us to:
- Serve thousands of hot meals in our day shelter;
- Provide clothing suitable for all seasons;
- Maintain our night shelter, day center and transitional or long-term residences;
- Offer individualized psychosocial accompaniment;
- Fund social and professional reintegration programs.
3. To recognize our team’s commitment
At Chez Doris, our strength also comes from the women and men who work on our team every day. To thank our employees for their commitment and encourage them to get involved, we are covering the registration fees of those who wish to run or walk in the Beneva Marathon under the Chez Doris colors.
This initiative not only promotes physical activity and well-being, but also strengthens cohesion and team spirit within our organization.
How you can make a difference:
You don’t have to run 21 kilometers to support us! You can make a donation and contribute to our mission:
Your financial support is crucial. By supporting our team of runners, you contribute directly to providing essential services to women in great difficulty.
➡️ https://www.chezdoris.org/en/get-involved/make-a-donation/
Every dollar counts and makes a difference. For example:
$25 = a hygiene kit for a newly arrived woman;
$50 = a prepaid grocery card for a woman.
Come and meet us at the Chez Doris kiosk
We’ll have an information kiosk at the marathon site on Friday, September 19, Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. It’s the perfect opportunity to come and say hi, learn more about our mission and meet some of our wonderful team.
Our volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer your questions, share our projects and show you the tangible impact of your support.
Together, we can make a real difference!
At Chez Doris, we believe that no woman should have to choose between a hot meal and a safe place to sleep. We believe it’s possible to build a more just, equitable and caring society, but it requires the collective effort of an entire community.
The Montreal Beneva Marathon is a great opportunity to mobilize this community. It unites thousands of people around a common cause: surpassing oneself, yes, but also mutual aid and solidarity.
By running under the Chez Doris banner, our team isn’t looking for a medal: we’re running to offer a little more dignity, warmth and comfort to those who live in the shadows. We know we can’t change everything on our own. But with you by our side, anything is possible.
A few figures to help you understand our impact:
In 2024, thanks to your support:
More than 1,700 women were received in our day shelter;
More than 51,000 meals were served;
More than 7,000 overnight stays were offered in our night shelter;
Hundreds of women benefited from psychosocial and medical support.
These figures speak for themselves. They reflect a mission that never stops, a team mobilized year-round, and a community that responds.
Thank you for believing in us 💜
We are deeply grateful to all those who support us, year after year. Thank you to our donors, volunteers, partners, colleagues and friends who give us the strength to keep going. Thank you for walking, running and hoping with us.
📅 See you September 20 to 21 at the Montreal Beneva Marathon.
🎯 Together, let’s reach our goal of $25,000.
💜 Together, let’s make a real difference in women’s lives.
To make a donation and support our team :➡️https://www.chezdoris.org/en/get-involved/make-a-donation/