Overcoming challenges and paying it forward

Local resident details his story of a new beginning in Canada and his love for community

ANDRES CALDERON

Rauly standing with his son at a BBQ. Rauly has become very active in the Parkdale Community. | Supplied

Entering a radio contest and winning may seem like a long shot to most, but for Rauldon “Rauly” Augustine it was more of a surprise than anything else.

“My son entered me into a radio contest on Kiss 91.7 for winning a new roof from Roe Roofing,” says Augustine, “and to my surprise I was one of the top two.” Reaching this level was followed by disappointment when Augustine lost the listener-driven vote for a contest winner — by a mere two per cent.

“They called us in at 7:30 in the morning to know the results,” says Augustine. “We were on the radio and they announced [the] winner and my son almost cried. I had to whisper quickly and hug him and say ‘don’t worry, it’s OK. We still have a roof even if it’s not a new one.’”

Despite the results, the owner of the roofing company broke tradition and decided to award a new roof to both applicants who made the final. Much to everyone’s surprise, as it marked the first double win in the contest’s history.

“He said he’s been reading our story that we submitted and he was really inspired and impressed with how my son took initiative to apply for me,” explains Augustine, “and how I’m raising [my son] all alone and doing so much in the community. For that, he wanted to also offer me a roof.”

Overcoming setbacks is nothing new to Augustine. Born in Guyana and raised in Saint Lucia, Augustine came to Canada as a refugee in 2008, fleeing for his life after being assaulted for being a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“It’s illegal to be gay in Saint Lucia, you can get arrested or get killed and I almost got killed, that’s one of the reasons I came here,” says Augustine. “My own friends found out about me and tried to kill me. I got stabbed twice in my chest.”

Unable to access a hospital after being assaulted, Augustine was forced to care for his wounds on his own over a three-week period at home. Finding no help from local police due to his sexuality, Augustine decided to leave his country for safer ground.

He initially planned to join the British army as a member of the Commonwealth, but decided instead to move to Canada after reconnecting with an old friend over social media, who suggested he come to Edmonton.

Augustine then moved to New Brunswick and later Montreal, where he had his son and got his cooking diploma. In 2012, he came back to Alberta to work in the oil fields as a chef. Assuming full care of his son in 2014, Augustine claims camp work was no longer viable as a single father. Instead, he opted to do a series of odds-and-ends jobs in town until he completed schooling as a massage therapist — a job he now does from home.

Keeping himself busy, Augustine has since become active with both the Parkdale Cromdale Community League. He champions diversity as the programs director and showcases his cooking skills hosting a Caribbean pub night twice a year. With the help of a local church, he makes food for the local unhoused community.

“When I first came here, I was technically lost trying to figure out my way and I met a lot of kind people along the way who helped me without requesting anything in return,” says Augustine. “This is my way of paying it forward.”

You can congratulate Augustine on his win and thank him for his work in the community at the next Caribbean pub night, being held at the Parkdale Cromdale Community League on Friday, Aug. 23.