Operation Christmas Gifts: children in need walk the aisles of Benjo for the last time

Nearly 200 amazed children roamed the aisles of the Benjo store in Quebec City on Saturday morning, notably in the company of Rouge et Or players, to collect the toys they wanted.

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For a 16^e year, the Le Pignon Bleu organization organizes Operation Christmas Gifts to allow children in need to treat themselves to Christmas gifts.

“This year, the needs are even greater,” explains Roseline Roussel, director of Pignon Bleu. We really feel it, families have less and less money, so fewer and fewer gifts can be given.”

This, according to her, is what makes the event all the more important today.

The quarterback of the Rouge et Or football team, Arnaud Desjardins, who accompanied the children, did not hide his joy at being there.

“It’s really a good feeling to be able to say that we have a positive impact on their holiday season,” he told the Journal. With all the support we receive from Quebec City during the year, it’s normal for us to want to give back to the community.”

A final edition at Benjo

Every year, the event takes place at the Benjo toy store on Saint-Joseph Street. However, the store announced its closure by the end of January 2025 last November.

“This is the last edition at Benjo, but the activity will be there next year,” says Roseline Roussel, saying she is looking for a new partner and a new toy store.

However, the situation did not take anything away from the happiness of the children this Saturday, who we saw going through the aisles either all smiles or with concentrated expressions to choose their gifts. Some have a clear idea of ​​what they want, others take their time shopping.

This is the case for little Sofia, 9 years old, who finally settled on a Lego house, a stuffed toy and a small bag of chocolates that she plans to share with her little brother when she returns home. House.

“Changing lives”

“Le Pignon Bleu is an organization that changes the lives of children and families in need,” says Mr. Jean-Yves Duclos, federal MP for Quebec and Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

This year, the organization was also able to purchase a new kitchen which allows it to offer meals to approximately 9,500 children.