The friendship between Rotem Avalon, 26, and Henri Bouchard, 88, took root and blossomed in a setting of cooperative community action. Born in the United States of Jewish immigrant parents, Rotem is doing a Master’s degree in urban studies. Her active social involvement includes taking part in the DesJardins sur les toits project,the aim of which is the greening of non-utilized urban spaces by growing vegetables, flowers and herbs. It is through this project that she met Henri Bouchard, a former mathematics teacher from the Lac Saint-Jean area. Rotem and Henri have grown very fond of each other. Rotem, who grew up estranged from her grandparents, enjoys every moment spent with Mr. Bouchard, whom she finds serene and inspiring. Her relationship with him fills the void left by her lack of family contact. And thanks to Rotem, Henri is getting reacquainted with gardening, a former passion of his. He is also getting back in touch with his rich past and cooperative community action. This “gardening therapy” is having a very beneficial impact on both Rotem and Henri and a beautiful friendship has grown out of community-based work.
