Metro Care & Share Society is a registered non-profit organization that has been active since 1984 as a fundraising organization for youth education, and community initiatives and partnerships. The Halifax Scholars Program is the most recent initiative which aims at eradicating poverty through educational advancement. The program pays for tuition and living expenses for the scholars throughout the academic year. These are the students who otherwise would not be able to attend post-secondary education. The program currently has eight scholars; one recently graduated from St. Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. There are currently two more enrolled at St. Mary’s University, two at St. Francis Xavier University, two at Dalhousie University and one at Université Sainte-Anne.

Objective

The current evolution of the Metro Care & Share Society is centered on education and using knowledge to help eradicate poverty.

Mission Statement

Cultivate in our youth the presence of hope, determination, and a realization of the importance of education.

Vision

Our commitment is rooted in educating and empowering youth.

Financial Support

  • Admission Fees
  • Tuition
  • Accommodation
  • And Many More

Mentorship

  • One-on-one Mentorship
  • A Network of Community Leaders
  • Pairing With Trained Professional
  • Motivational Programming

Education

  • Tutoring
  • Leadership Development Workshops
  • Academic Advice
  • Career Selection Advice

Founder : Mel Boutilier

Melvin James Boutilier was born in Seabright, St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia on January 29, 1928, to a fisherman’s family of 10 children. He met Thelma, whose family had the General Store in Hackett’s Cove, just a few miles down the road from Seabright. They had a long courtship and finally tied the knot on August 14, 1954.

Mel was well-known throughout Halifax for his boundless energy and selfless volunteering. A churchman, he was active in the Halifax Seventh-day Adventist Church and helped establish the construction of Sandy Lake Academy. He was a founder of and served as the first chairman of the Metro Food Bank Society which went on to become Feed Nova Scotia. He was also the founder of the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank and Skills Development Centre. In 2015, Mel created another opportunity where he saw a need, serving as Executive Director of the Metro Care & Share Society’s Scholars Program. The program is dedicated to helping students follow their dreams by attending college or university.

In his later years, Mel was recognized time and time again for his humanitarian work. Included among his many accolades – an honorary Diploma from the Nova Scotia Community College (2006), the Order of Nova Scotia (2009), the Order of Canada (2010), and an honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Saint Mary’s University (2017).

In January 2020, Mel was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. He was in good spirits and remained active to the end. Mel succumbed to his illness on the evening of April 28, 2020, at the age of 92. He was at home with Thelma, his partner in life and all things, at his side, along with loved ones, family and friends.

“As long as I’m living and there’s an opportunity, I will be there helping people.”

– Mel Boutilier

Board of Directors

Robert Wright

Robert Wright

Director

Robert Seymour Wright is a Social Worker and Sociologist whose 31-year career has spanned the fields of education, child welfare, forensic mental health, trauma, sexual violence, and cultural competence. A ``clinician/academic/administrator``, he has always integrated his work delivering direct practice clinical service to clients with teaching and supervising interns, and promoting lasting systemic change through social policy advocacy. He currently manages a small private practice and serves as the executive director of The Peoples' Counselling Clinic, a registered non-profit, community-based pro-bono mental health clinic. Robert is the ``Chosen Son`` of Mel and Thelma Boutilier and since youth has worked closely with Metro Care and Share Society's founder in many of his community and charitable activities.

James Bond

James Bond

Director

Jacqueline Foster

Jacqueline Foster

Director

Jackie has been a Board member with the Metro Care and Share Society since March 2017. She says Founder, Mel Boutilier’s kindness and compassion, coupled with his genuine desire to help others, made it an easy decision to join the team.
Mel’s joy in helping those who needed it most was infectious. He was proud to see the first Halifax Scholar graduate from university and the board is committed to celebrating many more graduations. Mel believed every young person who wanted to go to college or university should be able to. It was about supporting our youth, our communities, and investing in their future. Jackie is proud to help carry out Mel’s vision.
Jackie grew up in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. After spending 16 years in the broadcast journalism industry, she worked in the Premier’s office for four years where she focused on health communications. Jackie now manages external communications for Nova Scotia Power.

Lane Farguson

Lane Farguson

Director

Lane Farguson is a communications professional who specializes in media relations. Since 2013, he has worked for the Halifax Port Authority as Manager of Media Relations and Communications. He is often seen talking about the Halifax cruise industry or the importance of cargo for the Nova Scotia economy. He previously worked for the RCMP in Nova Scotia, spending three-and-a-half years as a Communications Advisor for the “H” Division, and before that, he was an award-winning television journalist working for CTV Atlantic in Halifax and a variety of stations across several Canadian provinces.
Lane Farguson lives in Upper Tantallon with his wife Shelley and their two children. When he’s not working or driving kids around to various activities, he can be found on a bicycle, in a canoe, or on a set of skis. He was invited by Mel Boutilier to join the Board of Directors for Metro Care and Share Society in 2019.

Paul Sanford

Paul Sanford

Director

Senior Project Manager, Stantec

PJ Kapilan

PJ Kapilan

Director

PJ Kapilan is a Global Corporate Executive Specialist in the fields of Accounts & Finance, Logistics and Health Care Industry. Mr. Kapilan is also professionally specialized in Corporate Law. As a Senior Management Executive, he has had 27 years of Global work experience in his successful career with DHL- the global market leader in the logistics industry, specializing in international parcel express through air, ocean, road and rail freight. He was also active in trade missions between countries, Aircraft Finance & Leasing and is a sought-out consultant in Health Regulations matters. He is presently the Director of Finance & Legal for Dr. Priya Kapilan Inc. Group of companies. Apart from his professional status, Mr. Kapilan is passionately involved in the Community and works personally with non- profit organizations in Canada and internationally. He is a Counsellor and Mentors for youth motivating them in their Academic and Career path. He resides in Halifax Nova Scotia with his wife Priya and their children Anjali and AJ.