Food basket drive

The Roxboro-based, non-profit agency’s annual Christmas Basket Registry was launched last week and continues until Dec. 5.

“We mainly assist families, but we also lend our support to people who are ill, elderly, or on their own,” said spokesperson Carmen Mitrana.

“Last year we came to the aid of over 1,000 families and individuals. We serve the whole West Island, but most of those who register are from the Pierrefonds and Roxboro areas. However, it is surprising how many requests we get from people living in other local communities.”

The Assistance Fund’s seasonal drive is now one of the largest on the West Island.

“What we do is make the connection between clients and donors. Clients come with ID to our offices to register, and donors who have applied are given a list of the names of families to contact,” Mitrana explained.

The donors then get in touch with clients to ascertain what they need. That can range from children’s clothing and toys, to canned goods and other staples – and even the Christmas turkey.

Donors (over 90 Good Samaritans signed on in 2007) include fellow citizens, local churches, schools, and companies, with some organizations ‘adopting’ more than 20 families. Their generosity is a gift from the heart, and reflects the true spirit of the season, Mitrana mused.

The baskets are delivered by donors in the weeks leading up to the holidays.

Located at 9 Commercial Centre, the Assistance Fund (Fonds de depannage de l’Ouest de l’Ile) also operates a food bank year-round, and accepts donations of clothing and other items.

People who would like to register can visit their offices Mondays and Thursdays between 9 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and on Fridays from 9 to 11:30; or call 514-683-0456 or 514-683-4646 for more information. Potential donors who would like to play a part in brightening the lives of others during the festive season are also invited to call the above numbers.