Chicoutimi, Que. – As the holidays approach, volunteers and organizations in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region are working to ensure families facing financial hardship have a brighter Christmas. Recent efforts saw the distribution of hundreds of holiday food baskets to individuals and families in need, supported by donations and a dedicated network of volunteers, including those who have themselves benefited from similar aid in the past.The initiative underscores the continued importance of community support amid rising costs of living and inflationary pressures.
Food bank Moisson Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean distributed Christmas food baskets on Saturday, but was forced to halve the number it could provide this year despite growing food insecurity in the region. The reduction in available support underscores the increasing strain on social safety nets as economic pressures mount.
This marks the second year the organization has offered the holiday baskets.
Instead of the 1,000 baskets distributed last year, as was the case in 2022, only 550 baskets were available this year, even with significant demand.
“We’re not alone in this, that’s what’s happening! There are several organizations during the holidays asking for the same things we are,” explained André Lespérance, a member of the Christmas Basket Committee. “They are putting together baskets too. Then there are other organizations asking as well, so it’s a little more difficult, but we are well known, and people are happy. […] It might be easier next year.”
Yanick Soumis, Director General of Moisson Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, noted that despite the reduced quantity, the baskets themselves contain quality food items.
“We were a little short on funds, so we had to reduce the quantity,” he said. “But, we still have a good variety of food in the baskets. […] It will last longer, in other words. A less festive basket, but one that will allow people to feed themselves for a certain amount of time.”
Continued Importance of Initiatives
Organizations were consulted to ensure the baskets reached those with the greatest need.
“It feels good, because when you have a low income, and you earn less than the cost of living with inflation, […] especially during the holidays,” said Steeve Desmeules, a recipient and volunteer. “It makes my heart feel warm, it makes me feel good.”
The baskets are being distributed to individuals in Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi-Nord, and Laterrière. The organizations hope to eventually expand distribution to the entire City of Saguenay.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Myriam Gauthier
Desmeules, himself a recipient of the aid, emphasized the importance of giving back to the community.
I’m fighting so that others can get by as well as I am, I want to get by.
A Family Affair
Numerous volunteers contributed to the effort, with some making it a family activity.
Anne-Marie Lavoie participated with her spouse and three children. She herself received Christmas baskets when she was younger.
“We were always happy to receive our Christmas baskets,” she said. “Plus, the children we see today, we give them balloons and gifts, things we didn’t have. It was really more than just food, so I wanted to pass that on to my family.”
The Boivin family distributed Christmas baskets door-to-door for the first time. Anne-Marie Lavoie wanted to give back, having received Christmas baskets with her family when she was younger. She is pictured here with her husband Alexandre Boivin and their children Augustin, Maëva, and Léa-Jeanne.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Myriam Gauthier
Her son, Augustin Boivin, expressed his happiness at participating with his family.
“I didn’t like it as much, because I don’t like seeing people sad, and who don’t have much money, and everything,” he said. “But I still really liked giving gifts because that makes me happy to see people happy.”
Both organizations hope to offer more Christmas baskets next year, and potentially expand the offering to the entire City of Saguenay.
