More than two thousand children received a personalized Christmas gift this weekend, thanks to the efforts of Mission Bon Accueil in Montreal. And it was an immersive trip to the Arctic that awaited the families, from disadvantaged backgrounds, upon their arrival.
Posted at 3:37 p.m.
Two thousand children, 8,000 gifts, but only one experience: this is how the CEO of Mission Bon Accueil, Sam Watts, summed up the organization’s initiative. This has transformed, over the years, into a real activity for disadvantaged families in the Saint-Henri district.
“For some, this is the first time they have experienced Christmas and winter in Montreal,” emphasizes Mr. Watts.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Sam Watts, CEO of Welcome Hall Mission
Snowman, polar bear, penguins, snow-covered trees: decorative elements dotted the route to brighten the smiles of the children, but also of their parents, who took tons of photos to keep a souvenir of the activity.
More than $100,000 in toys were distributed to children aged 0 to 12, thanks to donations to the organization. In total, approximately 200 volunteers will take part in the distribution of gifts, Saturday and Sunday, at Mission Bon Accueil.
Halfway through, hundreds of different toys, sorted by age group, were waiting to be chosen by a child, like in a real elf workshop. “For us, it’s important that people who find it difficult to make ends meet feel like they have a choice. Often, poverty makes you feel [d’être limité] », a souligné M. Watts.
An activity in itself
The parents seemed just as amazed as their young people, at the sight of the initiative of the organization, which also offers them a food assistance service throughout the year.
Krystel Belec, a new resident of the neighborhood, benefits from help from Mission Bon Accueil for the first time this winter. Her 12-year-old son, Lex, was very happy to be one of the two thousand children who were able to celebrate Christmas a little early on Saturday morning. “It’s really a nice surprise for me too! It’s a very nice activity, with my son,” rejoiced Mme A white man.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Krystel Belec and her boy Lex take a photo of themselves in an airplane setting.
On site, the children were also invited to showcase their drawing talents. Each completed coloring was entered into a draw for a $50 gift card to a toy store.
The district councilor, Benoit Langevin, was also present at the distribution of gifts. But don’t tell anyone… He wore Santa’s famous red coat! At the foot of his home, the character adored by children awaited the families at the end of the route, who all left with a smile on their faces, without exception.
