Click on the categories below to view the questions and answers.
General Questions │ Home Services │ In-Home Respite Services │ Day camps │ Rates and Payments │ Service Request and Waitlist │
Request and File Follow-Up │ Employment and Volunteering │ Miscellaneous │ Operation Red Nose │ More FAQs at the bottom of the SERVICES page
General Questions
Q: What services are offered?
A: Our services include in-home respite, respite houses, day camps, and services for young children (0–5 years) with special needs. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the service.
- In-home respite (ages 4–65) – Designed to meet the needs of the user and their siblings – Available year-round
- Leisure accompaniment (ages 4–65) – Designed to meet the needs of the user and their siblings – Available year-round
- Respite in a respite house (ages 4–65) – Stays can vary from 1 to 7 consecutive days. We also offer daytime respite services. Fees vary based on duration and available subsidies. Available 50 weeks a year – Locations in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion.
- Day camps (ages 13–21) – During March break and 8 weeks in summer
- 0–5 Years Service (ages 0–5) – Three-month support per child, available year-round.
Q : Who is your clientele?
A: We mainly serve individuals with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder. However, our service for children aged 0–5 is open to all children with special needs, with or without a diagnosis.
Q : Do you offer your services in my city or municipality?
A: We serve the MRCs of Beauharnois-Salaberry, Vaudreuil-Soulanges, and Haut-Saint-Laurent. The 0–5 Years Service is currently available only in Beauharnois-Salaberry and Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
To determine which municipality you belong to, here’s a PDF document listing all municipalities by MRC: Municipalities of the 3 MRCs.
Q : Do you accept children with behavioral disorders or severe behavior disorders?
A: Acceptance of children with behavioral disorders depends on the available staff ratio and level of support required. It’s important to distinguish between severe behavior disorders and regular behavioral challenges.
We are not funded for one-on-one care. Therefore, we cannot accept children with severe behavior disorders requiring constant individual supervision.
However, for general behavioral challenges, acceptance depends on the level of support needed to ensure a safe and suitable environment for all.
Q: Are staff trained for children with epilepsy, feeding tubes, or medication needs?
A: Yes, many of our caregivers have received specific training to meet special needs.
Q: Do you offer services to foster families?
A: No, we currently serve only natural families.
Q: Do you offer services for children followed by Youth Protection (DPJ)?
A: Yes, we support natural families working with Youth Protection as long as the child is still in their care.
Q: Do you offer emergency services?
A: All our services must be planned in advance. Families must have an open and complete file and should not expect last-minute emergency services.
Q: What services are available for young children (0–5 years)?
A: We offer a specialized service for children aged 0–5 with special needs, aiming to support integration or help maintain placement in daycare settings.
We also provide in-home respite for individuals aged 0–65. (New registrations are temporarily paused.)
Note: Respite house services start at age 4.
Q: Is a diagnosis required to access your services?
A: For most of our services, an official diagnosis is required.
If your diagnosis is pending, you may still submit a request, and we will conduct an additional review before confirming access.
Exception: The 0–5 Years Service accepts children with special needs with or without an official diagnosis.
Q: What activities are offered during your respite services and day camps?
A: We offer a variety of age-appropriate, interest-based, and need-oriented activities in both respite homes and day camps, including:
- Creative, artistic, or craft workshops (painting, custom t-shirt making, collaborative murals, sensory objects, drawing, coloring, etc.)
- Interactive and educational games (books, DIY instruments like drums or maracas)
- Sports and recreational activities (indoor obstacle courses, adapted mini-Olympics, bean bag games, Legos, etc.)
- Motor activities (dance, physical movement indoors)
- Thematic activities (interactive storytelling, puppet theater)
- Music and dance sessions (karaoke, group song creation)
- Sensory activities (sensory bins, modeling clay, adapted manipulation games, slime, various textures)
- Sound relaxation (Tibetan bowls, soft music)
- Structured activities (simple cooking, science experiments, adapted board games)
- Movie day (create a mini-script and film, movie screening with popcorn)
- Outdoor park outings (for children who don’t like outdoor play, sensory treasure hunts or observation activities are offered)
- Our goal is to stimulate and enrich each child’s experience in a safe environment.
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Respite Home Services
Q: What is the wait time to access your services, both day and overnight respite in your homes?
A: Currently, there is a waiting list in place, and families are contacted according to their priority on the list when their turn comes. Wait times vary but are estimated to be under five months.
Q: How often can families access respite services at your respite homes?
A: Families are entitled to two respite periods per four-month term (total of six per year). However, additional respite may be available by signing up for the availability list in the event another family cancels, or for weekday respites from Wednesday to Friday for adults.
Q: Are users grouped by age in the respite homes?
A: We try as much as possible to group users by similar age. Our services are for individuals aged 4 to 65.
Q: What is the user-to-staff ratio during the day and night?
A: The supervision ratio in our respite homes is three caregivers for five to six users. A 1-to-1 ratio is not possible.
Q: Do you offer long-term respite?
A: We offer 5-day respites in the spring, summer, and holiday seasons. We do not offer long-term respite.
Q: Do you accept children with severe behavioral disorders (SBD)?
A: We are unable to accept children with severe behavioral disorders.
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In-Home Services
Q: How does the in-home service work?
A: The in-home service consists of several steps:
File opening:
The coordinator arranges a virtual meeting (via Teams) with the family to collect the necessary information and open the file.
Matching with a caregiver:
The family’s needs are shared with our caregivers, who select cases they wish to take on.
If an caregiver expresses interest, a second virtual meeting is arranged to establish contact and agree on a respite schedule.
Home visit:
The caregiver then visits the family’s home (about an hour) to meet the user and confirm the match.
Service implementation:
If the meeting is conclusive, a contract is drawn up outlining the frequency and terms of the respites. The service may take place at home or outside (with or without parental presence) and may also include siblings (see fee schedule).
Q: Are staff trained for children with epilepsy, feeding tubes, or medication needs?
A: Yes, many of our caregivers have received specific training to meet special needs, including:
Caring for children with epilepsy,
Situations requiring feeding tubes,
Administering medication.
Q: Is there a rule regarding the parent’s presence? Must they stay home or can they leave?
A: Parents are not required to stay on site during the service. An agreement will be made initially between the family and the caregiver regarding the number of hours. We can also take care of siblings.
Q: I see on your site that you’re not accepting new in-home service requests for now. Should parents still send in a request?
A: We have stopped accepting new requests for in-home respite for several months to prioritize families already registered and on the waitlist. We are receiving a high volume of requests, but we are currently short on available caregivers. We will reassess the situation in the coming months and adjust services based on available resources. Any reopening of the service will be announced on our Facebook page and on our website request form.
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Day camps
Q : For the 2025 summer day camp for ages 13–21, what are the dates, times, and location?
R : The summer day camp will run for 8 weeks, from Wednesday June 25 to Friday, August 15, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at École Saint-André, located at 5383 Hébert Blvd, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield (near Parc des Îles and Saint-Timothée beach). Please note that no extended care (before or after camp) is available.
Please note that for the day of July 1st, the day camp will take place.
Q : What is the cost of your day camps ?
R : The cost for our 2025 summer and spring break day camps (ages 13–21) is $34 per day.
Q : What types of activities are offered at your day camps ?
R : We offer a variety of activities tailored to the age, needs, and interests of the participants. See the General Questions section for more details on available activities.
Q : Do you offer a day camp in Vaudreuil-Dorion?
R : No, we do not offer day camp in Vaudreuil-Dorion.
Q : Can we register our child for just one week or select specific days during a week or across several weeks?
R : Yes, registration can be based on your needs. However, the selected days must be respected once confirmed.
Please note that we cannot guarantee availability for the full 8 weeks for every family.
Q : Can our child be dropped off at the day camp using adapted transport or a taxi?
R : Yes, but please inform the coordinator in advance and ensure that arrival and departure times at the camp location are respected. You will need to provide our contact details to the transport company.
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Rates and Payments
Q: What are the rates for each service for 2025?
A: The rates for our services from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 are as follows:
In-home respite: We offer reduced hourly rates for families, depending on the number of children with ID or ASD in the same household. Siblings are accepted, but the reduced-rates hours will only be offered for children with ID or ASD.
By number of children:
1 or 2 children: Regular rate: $17.50/hour – Reduced rate: $10.45/hour
3 or more children: Regular rate: $19.50/hour – Reduced rate: $11.45/hour
| In-home Respite Package | |||
| Service | 12h (Family/Zéphyr) | 24h (Family/Zéphyr) | 36h (Family/Zéphyr) |
| $170 / $35 | $300 / $40 | $440 / $45 | |
Recreational outings: Same rates as in-home respite. However, families cover the costs of meals, transportation, and any other outing-related expenses are to be covered by the family.
Respite in respite homes: $46 for 8 hours, $70 for 24 hours, $140 for 48 hours
Day camps (summerand spring break, ages 13–21): $34 per day
0–5 year service: Free
Q: How can I make a payment (Interac, check, etc.)?
A: Payments can be made via Interac e-transfer, bank transfer, or check. Details are provided upon registration.
For questions regarding payments, please contact:
cfilion@repitlezephyr.com
Q: How can I get a receipt for payments or donations?
A: For in-home respite stays, spring break weeks, and day camps, you will receive a receipt for each payment made.
For donations, you may request a receipt by email at cfilion@repitlezephyr.com
For in-home services, the caregiver will provide you with a receipt.
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Service Request and Waiting List
Q : How do I make a service request?
A : Requests must be submitted through our website in the “Service Request” section.
Q : Where can I find the service request form on your website?
A : The service request form is accessible:
• On the homepage by clicking the “Service Request” button.
• In the main menu under the “Services” tab.
• For mobile users, by tapping the menu icon (three horizontal lines) located at the top right of the screen.
Q : Can a social worker submit a service request on behalf of a parent?
A : It is preferable that the request come from the family, but a social worker may submit one on behalf of a parent who is unable to do so. However, the confirmation will be sent directly to the parent via email.
To complete the request, it is essential to include all family contact details (phone and email) and ensure the parent completes their file online via our Extranet.
Q : How long does it take to have someone come to the home?
A : This depends on a large number of factors: the schedule of the need, the child’s profile, the amount of caregiver available, the availability of caregivers at the time the need is posted, the flexibility of the need, the location of the services, and the waiting list. We are unable to provide a specific timeframe. It is always best to post your request as soon as the need is felt, when the service is available.
Q : How does the waiting list work for in-home and respite home services?
A : For in-home respite services, once the coordinator has opened the file for a family on the waiting list, the request is shared with our caregivers who are free to express interest in families they wish to support. (See the section in-home services for more details)
For respite home services, families are placed on a waiting list and contacted when a space becomes available in order to ensure a good match with other users.
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Request and File Follow-Up
Q : How do I check if my Extranet file is complete?
A : Log into your account on the Extranet.
Go to the “My File Access” section and make sure you’ve completed:
Section 1 and Section 2 (basic and administrative information).
The sections related to the services you use (Section 3).
If you’re unsure or want a second check, contact us at llaberge@repitlezephyr.com
Q : How do I know if my service request has been received?
A : After submitting your service request, a confirmation email will be sent to you in the following days.
If you do not receive this confirmation within a reasonable time, please contact us at llaberge@repitlezephyr.com so we can check the status of your request.
Q : When will I receive respite confirmation?
A : For in-home respite: A confirmation will be sent to you as soon as your request is processed.
For respite home care: Once respite dates are proposed, you will receive confirmation a few days before the service begins, specifying the dates and times to arrive at the respite home.
You must reply to this email to confirm your child’s attendance.
Q : How do I cancel a respite?
A : In case of late cancellation, fees may apply.
To cancel a respite at a respite home, contact us at (450) 370 8804.
If the cancellation occurs outside office hours, send an email to kdixon@repitlezephyr.com.
Note: In case of last-minute cancellations, especially late Friday or early during the weekend, we recommend contacting the respite home directly by phone.
Vaudreuil-Dorion House: 514-426-7637
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield House: 438-290-5129
For in-home respite, contact your caregiver directly.
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Employment and Volunteering
Q: How do I apply for a job at Répit le Zéphyr?
A: Send your resume through our website or by email to rh@repitlezephyr.com
Q: What is the minimum age to be a caregiver at Répit le Zéphyr?
A: The required age to be a caregiver is 17 and up for all our services.
Q: Can I do an observation day at your organization?
A: Yes, subject to availability.
Q: Do you offer internships or volunteering for special education students?
A: Yes, contact us for details at (450) 370-8804 or jmathers@repitlezephyr.com
Q: Do you accept people for community service hours?
A: It depends on availability and required criteria.
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Miscellaneous
Q: What are the ways to donate?
A:
1- On our website at https://repitlezephyr.com/faire-un-don via Paypal. If you don’t have an account, you can use the debit or credit card payment option.
2- Via the Yapla platform.
3- You can use the myCommunity Benevity platform to donate via your employer by selecting our community organization Répit le Zéphyr.
4- You can mail a check payable to Répit le Zéphyr to:
Répit le Zéphyr
Attention: Jessica Mathers, Executive Director
101-222 rue Alphonse-Desjardins,
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Québec J6S 2N9
Q: If I make a donation, do you issue a receipt?
A: Yes, for any amount of $25 and up, upon request.
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Operation Red Nose
Q : From what date can volunteers register?
A : As soon as the online form is available on the website https://www.operationnezrouge.com under the Volunteering/Sign Up as a Volunteer section, or on the mobile app. Usually, the first week of November after the press conference. Follow us on our Facebook pages for updates: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield – Vaudreuil-Dorion
Q : Do I have to register every year even if I participated in previous years?
A : Yes, it is mandatory to register every year.
Q : What phone number should I call if I have questions?
A : 450-370-8804 is the number for the managing organization, Répit le Zéphyr, for the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion headquarters. (Do not call this number for a safe ride service. Instead, call 450-371-4848 for Valleyfield and 450-424-4011 for Vaudreuil)
Q : Who should I contact if I’m having trouble registering?
A : Contact Operation Red Nose Salaberry-de-Valleyfield or Operation Red Nose Vaudreuil-Dorion by email or at 450-370-8804
Q : How do I know if my volunteer registration has been received?
A : A confirmation will be sent to you by email.
Q : When will I receive confirmation for the evenings I registered for?
A : You will receive a confirmation email on the Monday or Tuesday before the weekends, based on the dates you selected when registering.
Q : What time does the safe ride service start and end?
A : The service is available from 8 PM to 3 AM (sometimes until 3:30 AM)
Q : Which phone numbers should I call to get a safe ride??
A : 450-371-4848 for the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Headquarters and 450-424-4011 for the Vaudreuil-Dorion Headquarters.
Q : Are safe ride coupons valid everywhere in Quebec?
A : No, they must be used in the region where the company partnered to obtain them.
Q : Do you offer safe rides during the week or in early November and January?
A : No safe rides are offered on weeknights except Fridays, and occasionally one Thursday per campaign. Safe rides are only available on the evenings selected by the headquarters. Dates are listed on the registration form, on our Facebook pages, and on our posters. (The first evening is the last Friday in November, and the last safe ride evening is December 31.)
Q : Can we register directly at the headquarters if we’re having trouble or lack the tools to do so?
A : Yes, we have forms available at the headquarters. If possible, complete it online, via the mobile app, or print it, fill it out and send a PDF to salaberry-de-valleyfield@operationnezrouge.com, or bring the filled paper version to the headquarters.
Q : If we do not wish to participate in the designated driver service, what other roles can we take on ?
R : There are various roles available at headquarters: welcoming guests, phone operator, food service, dispatcher, promotional activities and fundraising before the campaign starts (e.g., in front of supermarkets), mascot performer, being part of the mascot promotional team (18 years and older), picking up meals for volunteers provided by food sponsors and delivering them to headquarters.
Q : What time can volunteers arrive at the headquarters?
A : The headquarters opens at 7:30 PM.
Volunteers for the safe ride service can arrive at their convenience from 7:30 PM and later.
Mascot promotional team volunteers should arrive around 6:00 PM.
Phone operators should arrive at the time indicated in your attendance confirmation email.
Q : Do we need to bring anything?
A : Bring your reusable bottle to stay hydrated in the vehicle during the safe ride service. Meals are provided at headquarters for volunteers.
Q : Is it mandatory to provide safe rides until 3:00 AM?
A : No, if you feel tired, you can stop earlier. Safety first! If you feel fatigued, we invite you to take a break or simply return to headquarters to end your evening.
Q : Can we be 4 people in a safe ride service team?
A : Ideally not, as the system is designed for only 3 people. Exceptions can be made, but the 4th person must also fill out the form and stay at all times in the escort vehicle.
Q : From what age can young people volunteer, and what roles can they take?
A : Starting at age 14, depending on the roles at headquarters only, and promotion/fundraising before the campaign (e.g. in front of supermarkets). Mascot promo team requires 18 years old, Drivers 21, Escort drivers 18, Partners 18.
Q : How much does the safe ride service cost?
A : The service is FREE, but donations are appreciated and 100% go to the organization Répit le Zéphyr. On average, donations are around $25.
Q : How many people can be driven home at the same time if they live in the same area?
A : Two volunteers must safe ride in your vehicle and sit in the front. The number of seat belts in your car determines how many people can use the service.
Q : Can I participate in the safe ride service if my vehicle has a breathalyzer device?
A : You can be an escort driver or a partner only. (You may also help at headquarters or join the mascot promo team, but not as a driver.)
Q : Which headquarters should we call for a safe ride depending on where the party is or where we live?
A : You must call the headquarters that serves the city where the party is located.
Q : If the party is in Quebec but the person lives in Ontario, can the safe ride still happen?
A : Near the Ontario/Quebec borders or in nearby cities not covered by the contacted headquarters, it may be possible only if requested before 10 PM for cities just outside the service area. After that, consider another safe way to get home.
Q : Can I book a safe ride service in advance for a specific date and time?
A : No, it’s not possible. This rule exists because each safe ride varies in duration and we cannot guarantee volunteer availability at a specific time. We follow a “first come, first served” policy.
Q : Can I request a safe ride if I don’t have a vehicle or if I’m not drinking?
A : No. The service is only for individuals who have a vehicle and are impaired (alcohol, drugs, medication, fatigue). If you need transportation and don’t have a vehicle, we encourage you to use a taxi, rideshare app, or public transit.
Q : Do volunteers need to bring a lunch during their volunteer evenings?
A : No, meals are provided to volunteers each evening.
Q : Can donation receipts be issued (sponsors, partners, personal donations)?
A : Yes, for donations over $25, Répit le Zéphyr, lead organization for the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion headquarters, can issue receipts. Request via email at cfilion@repitlezephyr.com.
Q : To whom should donation checks be made out and what is the mailing address (sponsors, partners, personal donations)?
A : Make checks payable to: Opération Nez rouge Salaberry-de-Valleyfield or Opération Nez rouge Vaudreuil-Dorion. Address:
101-222 rue Alphonse-Desjardins, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, J6S 2N9
We also accept Interac transfers or bank transfers. If you have any questions about this, please email us at cfilion@repitlezephyr.com
This FAQ is updated regularly. If your question isn’t listed, feel free to contact us at llaberge@repitlezephyr.com