For the 14th consecutive year, the non-perishable food drive organized by Saveurs des Continents restaurants was a great success. We collected more than 50,000 pounds of food, which will be distributed to families and individuals in need over the holiday season, and served a free lunch on Monday to some 7,400 people.

“This food drive has become a well-established tradition for both Saveurs des Continents and our loyal customers. Once again this year, our faithful patrons have generously donated five non-perishable food items to help feed people in need so that they can enjoy a happier holiday season,” explained the chain’s spokesperson and co-owner, Tony Priftakis.

Our tradition dates back to 2004 when a young waiter at the Trois-Rivières restaurant came up with the idea. Since then, the chain has expanded to eight establishments in Quebec. That original outpouring of generosity and mutual help has been maintained and is the spirit driving this annual event held at the start of the holiday season.

“Saveurs des Continents ensures that food items are distributed to families and individuals in need. We are able to do so through agreements with organizations and agencies known for this type of work, such as Moisson Québec, Artisans de la Paix, the Fondation Rock-Guertin, Moisson Outaouais, Le Relais, the Comptoir alimentaire Drummond (food bank), Moisson Laurentides and Moisson Rive-Sud,” stated Mr. Priftakis.

The chain’s 800 employees also personally contribute to the cause since most of them volunteer their services for the food drive. The 2017 event took place at lunch time on Monday of this week in all eight of our restaurants: Charlebourg, Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Mascouche, Saint-Jérôme, Drummondville and Brossard.

Thus far, Saveurs des Continents restaurants have served free meals to more than 84,000 contributors to the non-perishable food drive. This has resulted in the distribution of more than 425,000 pounds of food to families and individuals in need during the holiday season.

“We would like to thank all our customers and staff for their generosity as this festive time of the year approaches. It is our wish that each and every person will have a happy and joyful holiday,” said Mr. Priftakis in conclusion.