Donations needed

This year, because of the economic climate, the demand from Laval families in need amounts to at least 1600 households who will have a bleak holiday if more donations do not reach the Centre.

Last year, according to Réal Plourde, Chairman of the Centre's Board of Directors, there were 1600 deliveries of 3300 boxes put together by 900 volunteers who contributed about 7700 hours of unpaid work.

Mr. Plourde pointed to the economic difficulties that are not sparing the province and which are filtering into Laval, despite what many perceive to be a healthy economy on the island. The demands for food could very well increase in the coming months, Mr. Plourde explains, emphasizing that donations are critical to the well-being of disadvantaged families. "In many instances, the money these families don't have to spend on food can be allocated for heating bills and clothes for the children."

Alexandre Duplessis, Saint-Martin City Councilor and associate member of the the council's executive committee also sounds the alarm. "The food banks are in dire need and we have to expand our efforts to help fulfill these needs."

Kathleen Gagnon, director-general of the Laval Volunteer Centre, pegged the figures at missing about 70% of what was needed in non-perishables such as pasta, sauce, soup, rice and a host of other foods. According to Mrs. Gagnon, the people of Laval, business establishments, and public organizations should do more to help out. Their contributions are vital.

"The Centre is open to all suggestions for increasing the supply," says Mrs, Gagnon, "and we welcome all contributions, no matter how big or small. We can all do our part."

The annual campaign at holiday time is crucial to the work of the Laval Volunteer Centre because it usually results in the collection of enough food to see the Centre's food bank providing for needy families throughout the year.

This year, the centre is also looking for financial donations to help defray the costs of providing a new book for every child under 12 whose family receives a holiday basket. "It's our way of living up to one of our other missions – the education of our young people and fostering children's love of reading," Mrs. Gagnon concludes. The Centre can be reached at (450) 681-6164.

Incidentally, the Laval Firefighters Association will be holding a party for 550 children of low-income families next Sunday, December 14, a project conceived and implemented by the association's president, Richard Carpentier and colleagues.