By Rhonda Massad
It is no secret that our local West Island Food banks are in high gear at this time of year, making sure that those in need are not without a boost during the holiday season. This year is no exception. This past weekend had faithful community-minded volunteers packing, sorting and delivering holiday food baskets to the clients of the West Island Mission.
The Westview Bible Church just off St. Charles on Pierrefonds Boulevard was a beehive of activity last Friday, December 8, as volunteers pushed to get ready for the Saturday delivery. More than 100 cars lined up at 10 a.m. alongside the church. Cars were filled with food, toiletries and special gifts donated by a generous West Island Community.
“Many knitters in our community have taken the time to knit various items that we include in the baskets,” West Island Mission operations manager Wendy Gariepy said. “Imagine being a shut-in a receiving beautiful hand knit lap blanket. It is just wonderful.”
The West Island Mission serves Île-Bizard–Ste-Geneviève, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Pointe-Claire, Beaconsfield, and Kirkland. It distributed 249 baskets following its first food drive in 2004. The demand for food baskets has steadily increased every year since.
For more information, call 514-912-6813, email wimmoi@hotmail.com or visit www.wimmoi.com.
