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The annual holiday-themed fundraiser, La Guignolée, focuses on raising money and gathering non-perishable food items for the region’s most needy. Organized by the Dépannage Saint-Agapit, the campaign officially kicked off November 17 at IGA Deux-Montagnes located at 850 Chemin D’Oka.
This year’s honorary president, Mayor Marc Lauzon, and Deux-Montagnes MNA, Lucie Leblanc, were present at the launch. The MNA donated $2000 to the campaign on behalf of her office. “What’s taking place is really marvellous. I tip my hat to the team who organizes this every year. There is a real need and the generosity of the people in this region is wonderful,” said Leblanc.
Community event
Several local businesses and organizations participate in the campaign every year. Representatives of the Lions International club of Deux-Montagnes were on hand to present a check for $500 to the campaign. “We get involved every year. We work for the community and it’s a great cause,” said Dave Byers of Lions International. The money was raised though sales of hot dogs, bowling nights and garage sales.
The campaign was launched at IGA Deux-Montagnes this year. The grocery store will be involved by providing a basket near the exit for shoppers to drop in non-perishable food items on their way out. “We fill up about two baskets a week. Along with that, we donate items on behalf of IGA,” said director Benoit Pepin. Local elecmentary and high schools, air cadets, firefighters will also be involved. Dépannage Saint-Agapit president, André Ouellet, is pleased with the outpouring of generosity. “Personally, I am involved in this because I don’t feel right knowing there are people out there who are going hungry, especially in our own city. It brings me joy to be able to help people and it’s nice to see I’m not alone,” he said.
Volunteers needed
Last year, La Guignolée campaign was able to provide 224 Christmas baskets and helped 641 people in the region. Over the course of three years, Dépannage Saint-Agapé has distributed over $226,819 worth of items, 1500 baskets in total. ”Our goal is to raise $80, 000 this year,” said Ouellet.
On Sunday November 20, volunteers will be knocking on doors from 1-5 p.m. singing Christmas carols to collect money and food items for the campaign. Volunteers are needed for the event. If you are interested in participating, be at Saint-Agapé Church at 1 p.m. on November 30. It is located at 1002 Chemin d’Oka.
Donations will also be accepted at the municipal library, in different churches around the region, and at the Maison des Citoyens de Deux-Montagnes located at 202 Henri-Dunant. “Every item counts,” said Ouellet. To be eligible to receive a basket, an application must be filled-out. Sign-ups will take place in the basement of the library at Maison des citoyens during the first two weeks of December. The distribution of the baskets will take place on December 20. For more information, call (450) 473-7450.
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