“You are a great team. I wish you all the best of luck and thank you so much for the happiness you bring back to my family.”
WIAF: An organization that acts on your behalf
Since 1966, the West Island Assistance Fund has been a lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families in our community. What began as an emergency aid initiative has grown into one of the region’s most trusted community service organizations, focused on food security, dignity, and practical support.
What We Do
Food Security
Our food bank provides weekly food baskets and emergency assistance to thousands of residents each year. Our community thrift store reinforces this work by offering quality items at low cost, with all revenues reinvested directly into our programs.
Basic Needs Support
We offer free or affordable clothing and essential household items to help families rebuild stability and independence.
Community Programs
- Annual free income tax clinics for low-income residents
- A community kitchen program teaching practical cooking and budgeting skills
- The Garden Of Hope collective garden, which grows fresh produce and provides free educational activities for nearby summer day camps serving underprivileged children
- School supply distribution to support children from struggling families
- Holiday toy and food baskets programs for individuals and families in need
- “We Got Your Back” offering basic essentials and comfort kits to people experiencing homelessness
- Ensemble Vers Demain, a support group for recently arrived immigrant women—many of them single mothers—helping them build networks and access resources
Advocacy & Impact
The WIAF 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 vulnerable families across the West Island.
Our Impact
Nearly sixty years after our founding, the West Island Assistance Fund now distributes close to $2 million in goods and services each year, as assistance requests have more than doubled since the beginning of the pandemic. Rooted in compassion and community, we remain a vital safety net and a pillar of solidarity for those who need it most.
Vision
Working towards the elimination of the causes of food insecurity and malnutrition in the West Island by focusing on the quality of our services and promoting the autonomy of our members.
Culture
Equity
Provide food, clothing and furniture to our community, as well as services supporting autonomy
01
Compassion
Support and encourage the development of initiatives that meet the essential needs of the community
02
Trust
Support and encourage cooperation between those that work towards the wellbeing of the community
03
Respect
Offer services that promote the autonomy of our members
04
Meet the team
We’re a team made up of volunteers and hard workers passionate about fighting food insecurity within the West Island community.
Having lived in Pierrefonds all his life Nicholas wanted to give back to those in need in his community. With a background in Economics, he brings his love of stats and numbers as well as a smile to the WIAF. Known as the “jack of all trades” or “homme a tout faire” he is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs.
At WIAF, Dillimah handles our customer service and is our main contact at the office. Her biggest accomplishment is knowing that she is there to help put food on our clients’ tables. Hearing their genuine gratitude warms her heart and makes her want to keep going. Not only does she handle day to day of the office, but she is our in house accounting specialist and makes sure everything always runs smoothly. We would be lost without her!
Lucky for us Connie joined the WIAF 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 WIAF 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.
She is eager to work with the WIAF 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.
Board members
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.
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.
Harry has been active in the community since 1975. When he is not helping our food bank, he enjoys volunteering at Roxboro day and coaching hockey and soccer. The dedication of the volunteers and board members touches him the most about WIAF.
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.
Yves has been doing volunteer work in the community almost his whole life. Starting by coaching in both hockey and soccer for many years, co-organizer of a foot race in Cap St Jacques for almost 20 years and has done multitudes zoo therapy visits in hospitals and schools with his dog Nilan. He is especially proud of being a small part of helping those in need by being a board member of the West Island assistance fund since 2018 and hopefully for many more years.
