Our History
It all started with a few young people who wanted to make a difference.
In 1954, a group of young people in Montreal’s Saint-Louis neighbourhood decided to create a small community newspaper: The Clark Street Sun.
Among them were nine-year-old Earl De La Perralle and 13-year-old Sid Stevens.
The newspaper was handwritten and produced in just two copies: the original and a carbon copy. Rather than selling it, the young people rented it to neighbourhood families for two cents. With the money they collected, they bought equipment and organized sports and recreational activities for local kids.
A simple idea had come to life: pooling what you have to create something greater.
That little newspaper would eventually become Sun Youth.
1954–1967
Sid Stevens + Harry Friedman typing the Clark Steet Sun
First Sun Youth Office Known As The Clark Street Sun
Sarto Fournier Mayor of Montreal at Sun Youth Bike Test
The boys from the Clark Street Sun
The early years
In their first year, the young founders managed to raise $500. The newspaper grew along with them. What began as a handwritten publication eventually became a printed newspaper featuring photographs, in-depth articles and advertisements from local businesses.
The proceeds continued to fund sports equipment and gym rentals, giving neighbourhood kids a place to play, stay active and spend time together.
A shoemaker on Saint-Cuthbert Street even let them use the back of his shop free of charge.
In 1964, The Clark Street Sun became The Sun, and the youth organization that had grown around the newspaper took the name The Sun – Youth Organization.
Already, an entire community was beginning to come together.
1967–1981
Earl and friends playing hockey
Earl as captain of the basketball team
The “White House” at the foot of the mountain
Sun Youth’s first girls basketball team
Finding new ways to help
In 1967, with the support of Mayor Jean Drapeau, Sun Youth moved into the little white house at the foot of Mount Royal.
With more space came new possibilities.
The organization began providing emergency food assistance, particularly during the holiday season, and helping people affected by fires. Crime prevention initiatives emerged, along with bicycle safety workshops organized in collaboration with the police.
Meanwhile, The Sun became a monthly publication. Then, in 1978, after nearly 25 years in print, the newspaper ceased publication.
The young people who had created it had found another way to make their voices heard: by taking action in their community.
1981–2004
Former Baron-Byng High-School
First food Bank
Music Club at Baron Byng
Bike Giveaway
Growing with the community
In 1981, the organization moved into the former Baron Byng High School on Saint-Urbain Street.
That same year marked two important milestones: the adoption of the name Sun Youth and the opening of Montreal’s first food bank, the second in Canada.
Over the years, programs expanded to meet the needs of individuals and families, including emergency assistance, prevention, sports, recreation and youth support.
Several initiatives that would become hallmarks of Sun Youth were launched or grew significantly during this period, including the Bike Patrol, the distribution of new bicycles, the Rewards Program and day camp.
An entire generation of Montrealers would grow up within the walls of Baron Byng.
2018–2025
Moving forward
In 2018, Sun Youth had to leave the Baron Byng building, which was slated to become a school once again.
After nearly 40 years in the same location, this was a major change for the organization, which had to rethink its spaces and reorganize its activities to continue fulfilling its mission.
Services were spread across several locations, including a service centre on Park Avenue. Despite the logistical challenges, Sun Youth continued to support the individuals and families who relied on it.
Earl De La Perralle
That same year, Sun Youth lost one of its co-founders, Earl De La Perralle. Throughout his life, Earl used sports as a way to support, guide and inspire thousands of young people.
Following his passing, Johanne Saltarelli became Executive Director, leading the organization through a period of significant change.
Johanne Saltarelli
Then came the pandemic.
As needs grew, staff, volunteers and partners rallied to maintain essential services while continuing to prepare for Sun Youth’s future.
Sid Stevens
In 2025, the organization lost its other co-founder, Sid Stevens, after more than seven decades of dedication to his community.
His childhood ambition was simple: to make a difference.
That ambition lives on through Sun Youth.
2026
A new home. A new chapter to write.
In 2026, Sun Youth finally opens the doors to its new home.
Years in the making, this project has been made possible through the collective efforts of the Board of Directors, the Sun Youth Foundation, staff, partners and a community of donors.
The organization’s first-ever major fundraising campaign raised the funds needed to create a place designed for generations to come, thanks in particular to a transformational gift from the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation.
The year 2026 also marks a leadership transition for the organization. After decades of service to the organization, Johanne Saltarelli retires and Marina Boulos-Winton becomes Executive Director.
More than 70 years after the first two handwritten copies of The Clark Street Sun, Sun Youth has grown in scale, moved to new locations and found new ways to serve its community.
But something remains unchanged.
People choosing to take action.
A community bringing its strengths together.
And the belief that nothing is predetermined.
Our story is still being written.
Have you taken part in Sun Youth activities? Have you volunteered, donated, coached, worked with us or simply crossed paths with our organization?
Because Sun Youth’s story is also yours.
