In a heartwarming display of community solidarity, and with a little help from an insurance brokerage, Montreal firefighters and volunteers distributed Christmas baskets to 1,300 families, bringing holiday cheer to those facing difficult times. The 37th edition of the annual event, organized by the Montreal Firefighters Association, is aimed at ensuring that families in need can celebrate the season with dignity.
Each basket, valued at $470, contained a traditional turkey and an assortment of food and toys. Among the recipients, 569 were large families, ranging from three to 11 members.
“It was important for us to bring this essential comfort to hundreds of families who, in these times of economic uncertainty, are going through difficult times due to job loss, illness or a terribly trying temporary economic situation,” said Chris Ross, president of the Montreal Firefighters Association, noting firefighters never hesitate to lend a hand to relieve and alleviate the hardships experienced by families.
“Montreal’s firefighters are transforming themselves this holiday season into heroes of social solidarity, helping as much as possible to alleviate the crying needs of hundreds of families and single individuals living in a situation of often extreme economic precariousness,” noted Jonathan Charlebois, a firefighter and campaign manager for the initiative. He added that other citizens are welcome to join the initiative, which will continue online.
Citizen-donors can support the campaign online through the Montreal Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund’s crowdfunding platform, available via Zeffy, until the end of December.
Ross also expressed gratitude to the many contributors who made the event possible. Special thanks were extended to the firefighters, volunteers, Montreal auxiliary firefighters, and sponsors, including the Service de sécurité-incendie de Montréal (SIM), Caisse Desjardins du Réseau municipal, Burrows insurance brokerage, and Olymbec real estate rental firm.
Over the years, the Christmas Basket Campaign has provided support to more than 40,000 families.
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