In chorus for hope: Eight voices chime in to support vulnerable women at Chez Doris
Today we speak with Sébastien Dhavernas—actor, singer, and engaged citizen—who recently made a meaningful contribution to support the women served by Chez Doris. He proposed a musical project that fosters inclusion and compassion —with creativity and sensitivity.
Why revisit “Au royaume du bonhomme hiver” for Chez Doris?
I grew up near Chez Doris. It’s a neighbourhood I know well, one I walk through often, and whose needs are near and dear to my heart. Reimagining this holiday classic was a way to go beyond tossing a coin in a cup. It was a chance to breathe new life into the song, to make it resonate differently, and above all, to show that music can bring people together across languages and cultures. This project is a vivid example of how art can build bridges between worlds.
Who are the artists behind the initiative?
Eight voices, eight artistic worlds, one shared commitment to change: Elyzabeth Diaga, Daniela Fiorentino, Christian Marc Gendron, Soleil Launière, Chanelle Foo Lam, Pascale Leblanc, Manuel Tadros, and myself. Each artist contributed their time and talent with remarkable generosity. Their engagement was at the heart of this collective work.
What makes this project so distinctive?
It’s the first time “Au royaume du bonhomme hiver” has been sung in eight languages: French, English, Italian, Creole, Spanish, Innu, Arabic, Vietnames. This version reflects Montréal’s linguistic richness—more than 150 languages coexist here—and celebrates its diversity. It also honours the lived experiences of the women who turn to Chez Doris. It’s a song of inclusion, a hymn to solidarity.
What message do you hope to convey?
The holiday season evokes joy, togetherness, and human warmth. But it also highlights a harsher reality: many women are unhoused or experiencing great precarity at this time of year. That contrast is heartbreaking. Through this song, I hope listeners feel compassion, solidarity, and above all, a desire to get involved. Every listen, every share is a tangible act—100% of proceeds go directly to Chez Doris.
How can the public support Chez Doris?
Listen to the song, download it, share it. Subscribe to the Chez Doris newsletter, follow @chezdorisrefuge, make a donation, or simply talk about it with others. Every action matters. Every action amplifies the voices of the women Chez Doris supports.
In a few words, what does Chez Doris mean to you?
It’s a judgment-free space where women can access meals, shelter, and psychosocial support. Since 1977, Chez Doris has helped more than 1,700 women each year move toward greater stability, dignity, and autonomy. I’m proud to help illuminate this mission through music.
Any final thoughts?
I hope this song brings you as much joy as it brought us to create it. Together, let’s help Chez Doris and the women it serves shine even brighter.