There are people who, through simple gestures, can change the daily lives of those who cross their path. Such is the case of André Sauvé, a school crossing guard like no other.

Surrounded by minions, an inflatable character and a stuffed dog, the 72-year-old welcomed young students for the second year running at the intersection of Montée du Comté and Rue Adrien-Rouleau, in Les Coteaux.

A retired truck driver, the 72-year-old became a crossing guard "for the fun of it". "Since COVID, it seems everyone's afraid to say hello or shake hands. I thought that was sad. So I went to the Coteaux Town Hall to see if there was a crossing guard position. Finally, I'm having fun doing fun things," he laughs. 

Every day during the school year, André Sauvé, accompanied by his minions, is posted on his street corner, waiting for the young schoolchildren.

"It all started with a little minion, but eventually he just kept growing and making new friends."

Sometimes the minions even dress up or have adventures. "They've gone skiing, played tennis, field hockey and even parachuted. When the kids and their parents see this, it automatically makes them smile, and it makes me happy. When the parents come to a stop with their car, they always roll down the window so I can fist bump the kids. It makes for a great start to the day!"

A crossing guard turned confidant

Among the thirty or so children who come across André Sauvé day after day, some confide in him. 

"Last year, there was a little girl who wasn't doing very well. She told me she was thinking about suicide. I made her promise to come and see me every morning so we could hug and wish each other a good day. She kept her promise and yesterday she was there, glowing in the corner. Her dark thoughts are gone.  There's no doubt that a lot of things have made her feel better, but I'd like to think that I had something to do with it."

At the end of the last school year, André Sauvé received no fewer than 80 children's drawings as gifts. "They all had beautiful messages. When a 6- or 7-year-old gives you a drawing on which it's written that he loves us, well, you know it's true and it comes from the heart. Messages like that don't lie."

And because he doesn't just brighten children's days, the big-hearted Brigadier is also greatly appreciated by parents. "Parents come to bring me coffee, doughnuts and water. I'm really spoiled!"

Staying young by staying young

Even though some of the students have now moved on to the big school, high school, André Sauvé is not one for nostalgia. 

"I have three former students who came to see me and promised they'd come back because they enjoyed our exchanges. I've lost a few, and that's normal, but I've gained some new ones, and that's wonderful!"

"Meeting these young people takes all the stress away, keeps you young. It puts a smile on your face and sunshine in your head. It's simply wonderful," concludes the man who intends to continue accompanying young schoolchildren until the venerable age of 80.