The Outaouais media food drive has raised $77,600 to support local food banks, with strong community involvement including the Aylmer Knights of Columbus, whose team tripled last year’s total at their intersection. Photo: Courtesy
Grand Guignolée des Médias
$77,600 raised in Outaouais media food drive
Tashi Farmilo
With inflation and rising grocery prices affecting more families than ever, the 25th edition of La guignolée des médias in the Outaouais opened with a strong show of community support. A total of $77,600 has been raised through a combination of online donations and contributions from a citywide street collection held December 4. The street effort alone brought in $14,000 more than the previous year.
More than 100 volunteers gathered at over 30 intersections across Gatineau and the MRC des Collines. Bundled up against the cold, they collected donations from motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, officially launching the month-long campaign to support residents facing food insecurity during the holidays.
One standout team was the Knights of Columbus Council 5281 in Aylmer, who set up at the corner of Wilfrid-Lavigne and rue Principale. Despite the glacial temperatures, they succeeded in tripling their previous year’s collection. Their efforts will directly benefit the Centre alimentaire d’Aylmer, helping ensure a brighter holiday season for local families. The team was led by Grand Knight Patrick L. Doyon.
The fundraising drive continues through December 31. Residents are encouraged to donate money or non-perishable food items at participating Maxi, Provigo and Nissan locations. Online donations can be made at guignolee.ca, and mobile users can contribute by texting NOEL to 20222 to give ten dollars.
Proceeds from the campaign will be distributed among ten local food banks, including Moisson Outaouais, Centre alimentaire d’Aylmer and Soupe populaire de Hull. These organisations are experiencing sustained demand as more families seek assistance heading into the winter season.
All participating organisations rely heavily on public donations and volunteer support, and many are still in need of both. Community members are encouraged to contribute in any way they can to help ensure that no one is left behind this holiday season.
