More than 1,000 Christmas baskets will be needed in the Memphremagog RCM
FOOD AID. The partners of the Memphrémagog Food Bank (BAM) will have their work cut out for them over the next few weeks, as more than 1,000 Christmas baskets are expected to be packed to help needy families in the Memphrémagog MRC.
This forecast comes as we launch the registration period for the 2021 campaign. People interested in receiving a basket during the holiday season have until December 9 to submit their application. Last year, close to 950 baskets were produced.
"More and more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. In recent weeks, our breakdown requests have increased by 15-20%. The end of PCU/PCRE has had a direct impact on our numbers," noted BAM Director Andrée Gagnon.
With health measures subject to change along the way, campaign managers are prepared for all eventualities when it comes to distributing Christmas hampers.
We could opt for delivery or pick-up at points of service, or for vouchers in certain cases.
"What we can assure you, however, is that there will be support for those with food needs," promises Ms. Gagnon.
The company is also inviting interested retailers to get involved by setting up a food collection bin in their workplace. Last year, this initiative resulted in the collection of over 8,000 kilos of foodstuffs from various companies.
The main partners in the 2021 campaign are the Souper du partage/presented by Provigo, the Missisquoi North and Stanstead CABs, the Knights of Columbus of Magog and Omerville, St-Paul's United Church, Beulah United Church, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel and Sainte-Elizabeth parishes in North Hatley, Partage Sainte-Catherine, and students from La Ruche high school.
Several of these partners will be organizing activities between now and mid-December, including the Souper du partage (meal box delivery), the Knights of Columbus (guignolée) and La Ruche high school (raffle and canne-thon).
Gift-wrapping kiosks will also be available at Giant Tiger (December 9-10-11-12-16) and Walmart Magog (December 17-22). AREQ members will do the wrapping, in exchange for a voluntary donation.
To be eligible to receive a Christmas basket, you must register by phone (819 868-4438, ext. 1) or e-mail (bamint@cgocable.ca) no later than December 9.