A Montreal father has launched a foundation to protect youth from gun violence after his son was shot and killed.
Obenson Dorélus lost his 21-year-old son Marbens in July 2025 in Montreal’s Anjou borough.
With the help of his wife and community, Dorélus has launched Fondation Marbens Dorélus, focused on preventing youth crime and raising awareness about gun violence.
“When I got the news on July 9, 2025, the days that followed were nothing but tears,” Dorélus said.
“And by the 11th, I understood that this pain never really goes away. You learn to live with it. It becomes part of you.”
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Dorélus said he wanted to start the foundation in Marben’s name because he was someone who he helped others.
“He’d pay for things when they needed it,” Dorélus said. “Marbens was someone you could count on. He was always there. He never said no.”
The foundation will focus on prevention strategies for parents, helping them spot early signs of youth violence through workshops and activities, across the Montreal region, that bring young people and their parents together.
“When a child feels grounded and supported at home, they’re less likely to go looking elsewhere for guidance, as long as they’re fulfilled,” Dorélus explained.
Dorélus said the foundation’s activities will be supported by psychologists, criminologists, frontline workers, and other specialists.
“Now, my strength is not staying stuck in my pain over my son who’s gone, because he’s gone and I can’t bring him back,” Dorélus said.
“Life goes on. What matters to me now are the people who are still here — the living. Those are the ones I want to give to, to help, to support. That’s what we want to do.”
Information about volunteering and donating to the foundation can be found their website.
