by Rhonda Massad
More than one hundred volunteers came out to help distribute new gifts to more than 200 families that will now have hope for a brighter holiday season. As you can see in the pictures the tables were overflowing with toys, knitted goods and love to be shared.
“My Mom who is 93 years young made all these knitted mitts with lots of love to help people of all ages in need,” stated Nancy Durdon on the West Island Mission’s Facebook page. “I’m so proud of my Mom. Her love for people and community is priceless.”
Parents that were already registered with the food bank had the opportunity to choose a gift for their child on the big day. Volunteers were on site to wrap the gifts for those parents who needed a little creative assistance in the wrapping department. The WI Mission chose to allow the parents to choose the right gift for their children after being given three tickets for each child. Parents could choose one big gift, one medium gift and one small gift or three small gifts. There was also a stocking stuffer table with gifts while quantities lasted.
Next week on December 8, 300 families will receive Christmas baskets in the Mission’s annual give away.
West Island Mission is a non-profit organization that provides well-balanced, high quality food assistance and other related aid to the less fortunate living in the West Island of Montreal.
Since 2005, WIM collects food donations and other basic supplies from the community and corporations in order to make a difference in the lives of West Islanders in need regardless of their personal history and background.
Since its inception, the demand for food assistance in the West Island has grown exponentially. In 2015, WIM provided more than 1900 food baskets to 260 different families from Pierrefonds, Roxboro, Ste-Geneviève, DDO, Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, Beaconsfield, and Île Bizard. In addition to monthly food assistance, WIM also offers back-to-school support and Christmas baskets
