Host Marto Napoli, who has been organizing a collection of Christmas treats, clothes and toys for 21 years, is considering giving up his charitable activity due to a complaint about the name of the event.
For more than two decades, the “Marto and his poor people” activity has broken several records due to its popularity.
Last September, ten signatories from Bas-Saint-Laurent, his own corner of the country, however sent a letter to the organizer still shaken by its content.
According to them, the expression “its Ti-Pauvres” is a phrase that can be hurtful. The famous “Ti” would also be a reducing prefix in our Quebec language. Finally, the group also affirms that the word poor carries a lot of stigma.
JEAN-FRANCOIS DESGAGNES/JOURNAL
Shaken
“It’s a chocolate collection for children!” It’s been two months and I haven’t said anything. These are local organizations. I didn’t know what to do with it. It hurts me,” says Marto.
From just two bags to several full trucks, the population has always responded generously.
“In summary, the weight of words must be considered when working with people who experience prejudice…”, we can read in the letter.
The signatories, three of whom come from the CISSS, are therefore asking to change the name of the event.
On Thursday, Marto Napoli indicated that he was considering ending his collection. “Thank you, that’s the end. I stop, we stop,” he clarified.
“It started as a joke in 2022. The important thing was the result. I thought about how to respond but the collection belongs to everyone. It’s terribly demotivating. It’s not my plan to do it again this year. We are going to skip a year,” summarized Marto.
Great success
In 2023, the 21st collection of “Marto and his poor people” was a great success.
The goal was to raise more than $100,000 in treats, clothing and toys for a host of charities, including Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.
A few years ago, the collection even came close to the impressive mark of $200,000.
For her part, her partner Patricia Vincent broke a record in 2023 with her event “Patricia and her turkeys” for the benefit of Bouchée Généreuse.
With the money raised, she was able to purchase more than $7,500 worth of poultry and deliver it all to Bouchée Génénéreuse.
Next month, community organizations expect to run out of Christmas baskets due to ever-increasing demand.
Simon Clark/QMI Agency
