While we were busy across the province collecting donations for Dr Julian Foundation’s 20th edition of Gignoli, a young man donated his booty for the year.
• Also Read: Dr. Julian changed my life…thousands of children’s lives
• Also Read: Trois-Rivières Social Pediatrics Center: 13th food drive under inflation sign
• Also Read: Raised $2.8 million for Media Food Drive
Loïc Mathieu, aged 13, volunteers throughout the year to help children in need.
“For me, it’s a fact that really affects people like me, young people in fact. This is really close to my heart and motivates me to keep going. Above all, it is my family’s encouragement,” said the youngster from Lewis.
His donation totaled $9,000.
“It’s about sorting the bins and selling them. It’s a lot of work, but it’s really worth it,” he says.
This year, the Fondation Dr. Julian food drive will take place under the sign of inflation, as it currently stands at 6.9% in the country, a figure that is difficult for many families.
According to the first partial count, Guignolee collected more than $1.35 million.
Fortunately, more than 400 volunteers are busy across the province collecting donations.
In this way more than 11,000 children get help from the Foundation in Social Pediatrics. However, the aim is to help more children every year as around 1.5 million children currently live below the poverty line, explained Dr Julian.
“It’s a very emotional moment for us because, yes, there are donations that we collect, but also the support of the public. It’s like our gift every year,” said Dr. Gilles Julien.
Funds raised through each collection are reinvested locally to allow children to see doctors, social workers, educators and special educators.
The volunteers specifically asked for donations for the Hochelaga Centre, the Garage à Musique in Maisonneuve and the Côte-des-Neiges Centre, three of which are part of the Dr Julien Foundation. Throughout the year, these centers, as well as 40 other centers in Quebec, offer medical services.
“They are caught up with a very significant increase in the cost of living. Families who can usually afford to live take this year, no longer need to pay for a food basket. They live with food insecurity,” explained social pediatrician and medical director Dr. Sanja Stajonavic.
Many events took place in the metropolis, be it hockey-boot matches, sugar shack or a visit from Santa Claus.
The collection of donations will continue till January 15, 2023. La Guignoli was above all to invite Quebecers to show generosity.
-All in collaboration with Rainville
More Stories
How List Acquisition Helps Your Political Campaign Become Successful
Four escaped cows were caught
A simple administrative decision? | Press