During this pandemic, with the Holiday season upon us and one year after the fire that ravaged its thrift store, the West Island Assistance Fund (WIAF) is helping and supporting individuals and families in need more than ever.
As of December 1, 2020, no fewer than 3,800 baskets had been handed out since the start of the year. This feat is all the more remarkable considering that the WIAF lost 50% of its sources of income with the loss of its thrift store 12 months ago (it reopened in September).
Accelerating demand
However, requests for assistance are already up 40% and will accelerate in the coming months. The WIAF is therefore calling for generosity. Those who can are asked to contribute according to their means.
Simply click on the Make a Donation tab on the fdoi.org/en site and follow the instructions. Tax receipts will be issued immediately for online donations. You can also make a donation by cheque or in person or donate non-perishable food.
No shame in requesting assistance
To help as many people as possible, WIAF encourages people who feel they are in a precarious situation to visit the food bank. “As government programs are reduced and then eliminated, the impact of the crisis will be felt,” says Michael Labelle, President of the board. It will be felt even more acutely in winter and then during tax season. People who are financially comfortable today may no longer be so in the coming months. So we will never tell them to run down their savings and then file for bankruptcy before coming to see us. If you need help, know that it’s there.”
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ABOUT WIAF
Since 1966, the West Island Assistance Fund (WIAF) of Montréal has been responding to the needs of individuals and families in our region who are faced with social and financial difficulties. It provides them with food and, when the need arises, its gives out clothing, furniture and household items. It also pays for summer camps and camps at school break in the winter for the children in those families. The West Island Assistance Fund has also coordinated the distribution of Christmas baskets for the West Island territory since 2005.
