Christmas baskets were distributed on Saturday at Moisson Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. The organizations responsible for the event, however, were forced to donate half as many baskets this year, despite increasing food insecurity.
This is the second year that Moisson Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean has offered Christmas baskets.
But instead of 1000 baskets, like last year, only 550 can be offered this year, despite the dire needs.
We’re not alone, that’s what happens! There are several organizations during the holiday season that ask the same thing as the rest of us, explained the member of the Solidarity Christmas Basket Committee, André Lspérance. They make baskets, too. After that, there are other organizations that also ask, so it’s a little more difficult, but we’re well known there, people are happy. […] Maybe it will be easier next year.
The general director of Moisson Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Yanick Soumis, indicates that this year’s baskets are however of good quality.
We were short of money, so we had to reduce the quantity, he said. But, on the other hand, we still have a nice variety of foods in the baskets. […] It’ll last longer, in other words. A less festive basket, but a basket that will ensure that people will be able to eat for a while.
Still important initiatives
Organizations have been asked to ensure that the baskets are given to those who need them most.
It feels good, because when you are on low income, when you earn less than what it costs with inflation, […] especially during the holiday season, said the beneficiary and volunteer, Steeve Desmeules. My impact warms my heart, it makes me feel good.
The baskets are distributed to people in Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi-Nord and Laterrière. The organizations hope to eventually expand distribution to the entire City of Saguenay.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Myriam Gauthier
If he receives today, it is however important for Steeve Desmeules to give back in time.
I fight, so that others can get through it as much as I do, I want to get through it.
A family activity
Several other volunteers pitched in. Distribution is even a family affair for some.
Anne-Marie Lavoie participated with her partner and three children. She herself received Christmas baskets when she was young.
We were always happy to receive our Christmas baskets, she emphasized. Then, in addition, the children we see today, we give them balloons, then gifts, things that we didn’t have. It was really more about food, so I think it was even more enjoyable for them. So, I wanted to leave that to my family.
The Boivin family distributed Christmas baskets at home for the first time. Anne-Marie Lavoie wanted to give back, even though she already received Christmas baskets with her family when she was young. She is accompanied here by her partner Alexandre Boivin and their children Augustin, Maëva and Léa-Jeanne.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Myriam Gauthier
Her boy, Augustin Boivin, is happy to be able to participate in the distribution with his family.
I liked it less, because I don’t like it, seeing people sad, then, who don’t have much money, then everything, he said. But I still really enjoyed giving gifts because it makes me happy to see people happy.
The two organizations hope to be able to offer more Christmas baskets next year, and perhaps even expand the offer to the entire City of Saguenay.
