Food bank aims for 1000 Christmas hampers to meet rising demand
SOLIDARITY. Due to the additional demand for food aid caused by the pandemic, the Memphremagog Food Bank (MFB) wishes to distribute 1000 Christmas baskets this December, compared to 880 last year.
This tour de force will be possible, according to general manager Andrée Gagnon, despite the usual food collections being disrupted or cancelled by the COVID-19 health crisis. We are once again responding to the needs of all vulnerable families," she says. Some fundraising activities and collections have been cancelled, but others have been created to compensate. New donors are also enabling us to continue our mission."
To this end, the BAM is once again partnering with several organizations in the Memphremagog MRC to support the 2020 Christmas basket campaign.
Different procedures and options for giving
Those interested in receiving a basket can call 819-868-4438. The distribution of Christmas baskets by the various organizations will take place starting in mid-December, depending on the health measures in place. Between now and December 1, those who are eligible to receive a basket will be contacted to confirm the delivery date.
Several merchants in the MRC will also be collecting non-perishable foodstuffs in the coming weeks. The places that accept to do so will have bins identified for this purpose. The BAM also invites businesses in the region to receive bins in their organization to collect donations from their employees. The BAM offers a free pick-up service upon request. Information at 819 868-4438.
In addition, the Knights of Columbus of Magog and Omerville will be collecting cash donations even if their traditional Guignolée is cancelled.
The Guignolée des médias is also off the calendar, but its organizers are inviting people to donate money and non-perishable goods at The Jean Coutu Group pharmacies, as well as at Maxi and Provigo grocery shops.
The BAM will deploy some 40 piggy banks in various businesses to collect cash donations.
A gift-wrapping booth could be set up at Galeries Orford, from December 10 to 22, 2020, in collaboration with the volunteer members of the Association des retraité(e)s de l'enseignement du Québec (AREQ), Magog sector. A voluntary donation would be requested. This project is to be confirmed due to the health regulations that are constantly being adjusted to the crisis.
2020 campaign partners
- The Sharing Supper
- Missisquoi North CAB
- CAB R.H. Rediker
- St. Paul's United Church
- Beulah United Church
- Le Partage Ste-Catherine
- The parish of Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel
- The parish of St. Elizabeth in North Hartley
- Students from the Hive secondary school