Illness, lack of money leave Michel with little support

Michel said it has been a while since he last worked.

He has early onset arthrosis in both knees. The physical disability forces him to rely on a cane to get around, which effectively reduces his mobility. Arthrosis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints, categorized by the eroding of the cartilage that lines them.

“It’s been more than five years,” he reflected. “It’s been a long time that I’ve been on a (leave).”

That combined with mental health issues impedes his ability to get a new job, he explained.

“I had trouble finding work,” he said. “It’s been a hindrance for a long time.”

Instead, he gets by on social assistance.

“It’s hard,” he said, but he manages with what he’s given. His priority is always paying the hefty cost of rent, he said.

This holiday season, a $125 cheque given to him through the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund would allow him to “buy food, above all.” Every year, the Gazette’s fund helps thousands of Montrealarea individuals.

“It always makes living easier,” said Michel about receiving the money. “There are less worries, less stress.”

Michel’s family lives north of Montreal, with some in Tracy and others in Rawdon, both just over an hour away by car. Because of the distance, he rarely gets to see family most of the year — a round trip is too expensive, he explained.

So during the holidays, he will be glad to see his mother, siblings, nieces and nephews, he said.

“I’m really happy to (be able to) see them,” he said.