Objective: 1600 holiday baskets for the disadvantaged

For the next several weeks, several measures will be implemented by the Laval Volunteer Bureau in an effort to collect food for holiday baskets that will be delivered on December 22.

The Centre will work in concert with 21 community organizations to achieve the goal set for 2007. The campaign has been underway since October 17, with dozens of volunteers soliciting donations by telephone.

The food collected not only provides for the 1600 holiday baskets but also makes it possible to keep the food bank at a level that can sustain food needs later in the year. On a week to week basis, 50 community groups and 22 schools are supplied food on an emergency basis, food which finds its way to those in need.

During the 2006 campaign, the Volunteer Centre collected 156,287 kilos of non-perishable food, thanks to the efforts of 915 volunteers who donated 9,752 hours of their time.

A benefit concert will be held on December 8 at Cure-Labelle High School, with an appearance by the Laval Youth String Orchestra.

The Laval Firefighters Association will also help out with its fourth annual "Christmas Magic With Laval Firefighters" project, an evening of gift-giving to children of disadvantaged families serviced by the Volunteer Centre. This magic night is cheduled for December 9.

Anyone interested in making donations can do so through participating grocery stores or by bringing the donations in person to the Laval Volunteer Centre, at 1870 rue Michelin (corner of Le Corbusier). (H.M.)

Photo: paniers