Just a Bus Driver Doing His Job

In 2016, Muslim Link was asked to help Ottawa transit user Hailey deJong to find the OC Transpo bus driver who stood up for her when she was verbally attacked for wearing niqab. She had managed to get a selfie with him, but had not taken his name and she wanted to make sure that OC Transpo knew how much she appreciated his support.

Muslim Link published her letter and soon local media were also looking for the driver!

Alain Charette didn't think he did anything special. He was just doing his job. But he decided to take the opportunity to speak to media in order to convey the message that no one should feel threatened on public transit because of their identity and it is important for others to intervene when this happens. As he explained in an interview with CBC Ottawa News, he's no hero, "Basically we are just people taking care of people."

Now Is Our Chance to Take Care of Alain.

Muslim Link was saddened to learn that the veteran bus driver had been diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to the bone of his lower back in November 2017. He was initially given only 3 weeks to live, but against the odds, he is still with us and receiving treatment alhamdulillah. 

However, the costs of medication and the impact on his physical health have taken a devastating toll. He was paralysed for a short time as a consequence of chemotherapy and now has to regain his strength and mobility. 

Through the support of his insurance, family and friends and some government programs, he is managing with the costs of medication, but one item he needs to help him stay mobile is a Lift Chair to make it easier for him to go from sitting to standing with the support of his walker. His doctor has prescribed this chair but his insurance will not cover it. 

Any additional funds raised will help to contribute to other cost that arise as Alain and his family cope with his terminal cancer.

Muslim Link is asking the community at this time of giving to consider taking the opportunity to give back to a non-Muslim who stood up for one of our sisters in Islam and publicly shared a message with mainstream media about the importance of bystander intervention when members of our community face harassment.