HONORABLE MENTIONS OVER THE YEARS

WEST ISLAND MISSION – TOY EVENT AND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BASKET

January 2020
Hello,
On behalf of West Island Mission, I would like to thank you for your recent contribution to
our holiday Toy Giveaway and our 16th Annual Christmas Basket Distribution.
At the toy event on Dec 7 th, the parents of 370 children were able to come out and choose
toys for their children along with stocking stuffers/candy and knitted items. Following that,
they proceeded to the wrapping station where volunteers were eagerly awaiting to complete
their shopping experience by wrapping the gifts for them. As I shared a quick hello with
families out in the lobby waiting for their turn, some seemed quiet and even down in spirit,
perhaps embarrassed to be in the situation of coming to such an event, worried that people
would judge. After they were done I saw many of the same families leaving with smiles on
their faces. The reason for that change is clear. It was because of the beautiful kindness
and love shown by you, the volunteers. Holiday joy all around!

On Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th we held our annual Christmas Basket
Event during which time we served 254 families. This year, things were a little different
than in the past. We offered our clients the opportunity to come to our warehouse on 2
separate days to “shop” for their Christmas Basket if they would prefer to do so. Of the
254 families, 79 chose to do so and were extremely happy with their decision. As a result
our weekend holiday baskets were prepared and delivered to 184 families. Volunteers such
as yourself still worked extremely hard and as a result the baskets were loaded into cars &
vans in less than an hour and families eagerly awaited their arrival.
I have already heard from several volunteers about how they spent time enjoying a hot
beverage and visiting with families who were touched by the kindness of the WIM
community. Bringing joy to families; that’s what it’s all about.
Please enjoy the pictures attached as a reminder of the many acts of kindness that came
together to make these holiday events a resounding success.
Now, as 2020 begins, we want to say a special thank you for the meaningful and measurable
difference you make in our community. May the fact that you have helped others, less
fortunate, bring you that same joy this holiday season. We hope to see you again next
Christmas.

Happy New Year to you and your family,
Wendy Gariepy Suzanne Scarrow
Operations Manager Executive Director
West Island Mission West Island Mission

SUPPORTING THE CHILDREN’S WISH FOUNDATION FOR OVER 20 YEARS

WEST ISLAND MISSION – HELP WITH FLOODING

August 2017

Journey Freight,

In May of this year the West Island was hit with an unexpected crisis in the form of flooding. Many families on Ile Bizard and in Pierrefonds were forced to leave their home, some for just a short time and others for an extended period. Even today, there are still families living in hotels awaiting word on when and if they will be able to return to their home.

The West Island Community responded in a big way. Donations of food, toiletry items, cleaning products and gift cards came pouring in at an amazing rate. We at West Island Mission became a Center where flood victim families could come and pickup these donations. Within 5 days a warehouse that was empty was filled to capacity and dozens upon dozens of volunteers stepped up to organize and sort through the items. As families affected by the flooding sat in my office going through the registration process, many were brought to tears as they realized that all this help came from their “neighbours” here on the West Island and some couldn’t believe so many people cared enough to help in this way.

We at West Island Mission, want to say thank you for the role you played in our responding to the crisis. Your donation of warehouse space to store excess food items played an important part in that response. Because of your help and generosity, over 100 different families were able to come for help on a regular basis. I know that these families would want me to thank you on their behalf.

West Island Mission couldn’t do what we do without the involvement of the community and once again “the community” stepped up. Many thanks!

Sincerely,

Wendy Gariepy
Director of Operations
West Island Mission

In the community,
For the community,
Supported by the community.

WEST ISLAND MISSION CHRISTMAS BASKETS 2015

WEST ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FINALIST 2012 AND 2013