The collection of non-perishable foods from the Saveurs des Continents restaurant chain for families and individuals in need during the holiday season is resuming this year after a forced four-year break due to the pandemic.

The 17th edition of this major food drive for charities will take place at noon on Monday, December 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in restaurants in Brossard, Gatineau, Mascouche, Québec City and Trois-Rivières, and in the evening, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Saint-Jérôme restaurant, while it will be the next day, December 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Drummondville restaurant.

“We are both proud and happy to re-establish the non-perishable food collection. This is an important gesture of solidarity from the community at a time when organizations that help people in need must support more and more families and single people. The holiday season is a time of celebration and sharing that we hope will be happy and festive for everyone,” explains Tony Priftakis, spokesperson for the Saveurs des Continents restaurant chain.

In 16 years, more than 97,739 people have eaten for free during this special event by bringing their non-perishable food. Their donations have made it possible to donate more than 233,455 kilos (514,681 pounds) of food. A financial contribution has also been permitted since 2018. Over these two years, more than $15,000 has been donated to the organizations. It will be possible again this year.

The non-perishable food items collected are donated, in their entirety, to various organizations duly recognized for the distribution of food and goods for families and individuals in need, such as Moisson Québec, Moisson Outaouais, Moisson Rive-Sud, Moisson Laurentides, the Comptoir Alimentaire de Drummondville, Les Artisans de la Paix in Trois-Rivières and Le Relais in Mascouche.

“The holiday season is special for everyone. We want this collection to bring comfort and relief to families and individuals in need. By offering food, together, we help make this time happier for thousands of people,” says Mr. Priftakis.

To encourage as many donations as possible, we invite you to limit the length of your presence. People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

According to Statistics Canada, 1.3 million people in Quebec live in food insecurity. Half of them have completely lacked food in the last year. One in ten children is likely to suffer from hunger, including 40,000 under the age of five.

Information: Tony Priftakis – Email: [email protected]