Sister Nicole Rivard is the embodiment of compassion. She grew up in the countryside as the eleventh child of fourteen siblings. She’s traversed multiple countries and continents for the sole purpose of doing good and uplifting others. The richness of her diverse experiences has led her to one wish: to write and publish her autobiography.
After two years of teaching, Sister Rivard responded to a call to missionary work. She joyfully spent almost 40 years between Africa and Argentina, where she worked mainly with youth and women. Moreover, her time spent in Quebec and Rome fueled her passion for fighting against human trafficking. She was an active participant in the CATHII organization (Action Committee against Human Trafficking Internally and Internationally), as well as the international network of nuns committed against human trafficking, "Talitha kum" which means "Young girl rise." Today, she remains committed to social justice and women’s rights advocacy, namely by standing in solidarity with Aboriginal women in their struggles for recognition.
Sister Rivard has always loved writing and appreciates having more time for it in retirement. She loves to reminisce on cherished memories and discoveries she made around the world. She would like her life story to be known by the next generation of her family, especially her nieces. "I’ve written a lot with younger people in mind,” Sisiter Nicole shares. “I would like them to understand that, through my writing, we find happiness in the extent to which we give.”
The Chartwell Foundation was delighted to oversee the completion and publication of Sister Rivard’s book. After working two hours weekly with a writing coach and mentor for six months, her book was released by Novalis Publishing. The Foundation helped her celebrate this milestone with a launch party and book signing event attended by family and friends at her residence. The atmosphere was vibrant, and Nicole brimmed with pride throughout the event, making it a memory she will cherish forever.