FDOI - Meeting the essential needs of our West Island community since 1966

For 60 years, FDOI-Fonds d’aide de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (also known as West Island Assistance Fund) has been there when people in our community need help most.
We provide access to food, clothing, hygiene products, and critical support services, in a way that preserves dignity. Through a sustainable community model powered by volunteers, partners, donors, and economic initiatives that reinvest back into the mission, FDOI ensures that no one in Montreal’s West Island has to face hardship alone.

Our programs are built to meet residents’ essential needs: 

  • Food Bank for weekly food baskets and hygiene essentials
  • Thrift shop for pre-loved clothingtoys and household goods, with revenue reinvested in our programs 
  • Community Garden for food grown for our food bank while offering hands-on learning experiences for children  
  • Collective Kitchen for reducing food waste by transforming surplus ingredients while teaching valuable cooking skills 
  • Social Programs that reduce isolation and provide year-round support and resources to our residents; like seniors, women, new comers. 
  • Seasonal Programs for targeted support at the moments of year when residents need an extra hand. Like back-to-schoolthe holidays, or tax time.
Learn more about our programs
Discover our 60-year story

Who We Support

FDOI is here to support residents navigating financial hardship or seeking access to food, clothing, hygiene essentials, and other vital resources. 

Membership to the food bank is currently open to any West Island resident, with the exception of those living in Baie-D’Urfé, Senneville, or Dorval. Registration is confidential, considerate, and requires proof of income and proof of address.  

Advocacy & Impact

FDOI advocates and takes an active role in the fight to reduce food insecurity. We recognize that long-term food security begins with better access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for those in need. We advocate for policies, partnerships, and community action that address the root causes of poverty and strengthen the social safety net for families in need across the West Island. 

Our Yearly Impact

1500

Residents supported

9000

Food baskets distributed

200

Children ready for the new school year

1600

Hours of social and community activities

800

lbs of fresh produce grown

7000

Volunteer hours
Vision

A West Island where everyone has access to the essentials needed to live with dignity.

Our values

Dignity

We commit to providing support and making decisions in ways that treat beneficiaries, community members, employees, volunteers, partners, and one another with respect, compassion, and humanity. 

01

Empowerment

We commit to supporting people in ways that strengthen confidence, capability, and stability, while respecting individual circumstances and avoiding judgment or dependency.

02

Community

We commit to working collaboratively with community members, partners, employees, volunteers, and one another, recognizing that the strongest outcomes come from mutual respect, shared responsibility, and support.

03

Integrity

We commit to earning and maintaining trust by acting honestly, responsibly, and transparently in how we govern, manage resources, and serve the community.

04

Sustainability

We commit to stewarding resources responsibly and making decisions that balance immediate needs with the longterm ability to serve our community. 

05

Meet the team

FDOI is powered by a team of caring and passionate individuals.

Executive Director

Chantal Laferrière

Chantal brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in the philanthropic and community sectors, with a career dedicated to strengthening organizations that support individuals and families facing vulnerability. She is widely recognized for her expertise in governance, organizational transformation, philanthropic development, and executive leadership within complex nonprofit environments.


Throughout her career, Chantal has served as Executive Director to numerous foundations and community organizations active in areas such as food security, mental health, housing, healthcare, and social inclusion. She has led major fundraising initiatives totaling tens of millions of dollars, mobilized multidisciplinary teams, and overseen organizations with diversified funding models and significant operational and real estate complexity.

Development and Fundraising Specialist

Thomas Lien

Thrift Shop Keyholder

Connie Mattie

Lucky for us Connie joined the FDOI Team in April 2025, and fit in right away! Connie ironically, is an avid thrifter; what a fit! Her previous 30 plus year career was primarily in corporate credit and collections, but in the past few years, she reinvented herself several times in areas very new to her. These new experiences have helped her learn and turned her into a stronger version of herself.
She is eager to work with the FDOI team, sharing her experiences and learning along the way. If you pop by the thrift anytime soon you can see Connie’s style and influence already in full display in the store.
Food Bank Supervisor

Marouane Thermouch

Kitchen Coordinator

Mary Thompson

Communications Coordinator

Matteo Di Giovanni

Administrative Assistant

Olguine Roseflore Magustin

Delivery Driver

Ahmed Saad

Meet our board

Interested in becoming a board member? Join here!
Director & President of the Board

Gregory Orleski

Gregory M. C. Orleski is President of the Board of FDOI (Fonds d’aide de l’Ouest-de-l’Île) and brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience guiding organizations through growth, change, and moments of increased responsibility.

A business leader trained in law, Gregory has spent his career working at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution—supporting initiatives that require strong stewardship, clear decision-making, and alignment among people, funding partners, and institutions. He is widely recognized for his pragmatic leadership style, sound judgment, and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together around a shared purpose.

A central strength of Gregory’s leadership is building trusted relationships and partnerships with governments, public institutions, foundations, and community organizations, helping translate shared intent into sustainable action. His work consistently focuses on ensuring that resources are well-managed, partnerships are durable, and missions are delivered with integrity and impact.

At FDOI, Gregory is helping lead the organization through a significant expansion, strengthening governance and supporting fundraising and partnership efforts so the organization can reach more individuals and families facing food insecurity, financial hardship, and social isolation.

Bilingual in French and English, Gregory has lived in the West Island for more than 25 years. His long-standing connection to the community and commitment to collaborative leadership guide his work in ensuring FDOI continues to grow responsibly and compassionately, in service of those who need it most.

Director & Vice President

Shant Kancachian

Shant Kancachian is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. He holds both a B.Eng and an MBA from McGill University and has extensive experience in financial management, having worked as a commercial lender and controller in various corporate settings. His deep understanding of business operations and financial strategy has enabled him to effectively contribute to the success of the organizations he has worked with.

Shant’s passion for community development led him to transition into the non-profit sector, where he served as the Executive Director of an alternative school, focusing on innovative educational models. His leadership in this role helped drive growth and create opportunities for students in a unique learning environment. Additionally, Shant worked as a Social Economy Commissioner, collaborating with non-profits in the West Island to secure grants and support impactful community projects.

With a strong blend of business acumen and a commitment to social impact, Shant brings a wealth of experience and a strategic mindset to his work, helping organizations achieve their financial goals while fostering positive change in their communities.

Director & Treasurer

Debra Hinds

Director

Bijoy Kothari

Director

Kristian Zimmerman

Our partners

The need is growing. So are we

Our food assistance requests have increased by 15% this past year, with first-time users, single-parent families, children, and working adults among the fastest-growing groups, and FDOI is already at full capacity.

Learn more about our expansion project

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