Susan Jacques
Local non-profit volunteer groups and citizens came together to support those in need over the holiday season. Here are how just some of these amazing efforts helped.
The Christmas Angel project, sponsored by the Yamaska Valley Optimist Club, gave 317 gifts to young people in need. The kindness and generosity of all types of angels –private citizens, retailers and volunteers –was once again in evidence.
During the month of December, The Brome Lake Food Bank was the recipient of some generous donations. Mae and John Cooke of the Knowlton Pub hosted the annual free turkey dinner to sell-out audiences. $7,537 was raised in cash donations and an additional $950 in gift cards. Wait staff donated their tips and the event was also staffed by volunteers. The Knowlton IGA collected $10,375 in donations from customers and a further $1,306 in food products.
Exceptionally, the food bank did not receive a single emergency call in the month of December.
The Lions Club helped over 160 residents before Christmas with the distribution of 73 IGA gift cards and a basket of goodies donated by KDC and other merchants. Additionally, for children under 13, there were gift certificates from Brome Lake Books. The Lions Club hosted the Veterans Breakfast, the Santa Claus Parade, as well as delivering poinsettias to various members of the community. They raised approximately $60,000 in their annual campaign andthank donors for their generosity and empathy.
The Club Optimiste de Lac-Brome donated $4,000 to St-Edouard School for a sports equipment container, school supplies and rewards for deserving students. Knowlton Academy received the same amount for their ski and breakfast programs.
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