After a forced 4-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the Saveurs des Continents restaurant chain’s non-perishable food drive for families and individuals in need during the holiday season raised 21,720 pounds (9,852 kilos) of food, $3,130.82 and fed 2,726 people for free in its seven restaurants.

The thousands of customers of Saveurs des Continents gave generously, as did the staff and management, during the 17th edition of this charity drive. It took place in each of the chain’s seven restaurants on December 2 and 3.

The food and money collected were donated to Moisson Québec, Moisson Outaouais, Moisson Rive-Sud, Moisson Laurentides, le Comptoir Alimentaire de Drummondville, les Artisans de la Paix in Trois-Rivières and Le Relais in Mascouche.

This commitment to the community is a well-established tradition for the restaurant chain’s staff and management, as well as for its loyal customers at the seven Saveurs des Continents establishments spread across as many regions in Quebec.

“The holiday season is a time of celebration and sharing that we hope will be happy and festive for everyone. Every action counts to help those in need. Together, we are mobilizing our staff and our community in the hope of building a better society every day. The collection of non-perishable food items is a concrete gesture of community solidarity at a time when organizations that help people in need must support more and more families and single people,” explains Tony Priftakis, spokesperson for the Saveurs des Continents restaurant chain.

More than 500 employees of the chain also contribute personally, as most of them volunteer during this collection.

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

In 17 years, the Saveurs des Continents non-perishable food drive has fed some 100,465 people for free in its restaurants, which have given more than 536,401 pounds (243,307 kilos) of food to families and individuals in need. In 2018 and 2019, a cash drive was added that we have resumed this year and that has allowed us to give away a total of $18,035.82.

“Thank you to all our customers and staff for this generosity during the upcoming holiday season that we want to be festive and happy for everyone,” concludes Mr. Priftakis.

According to Statistics Canada, 1.3 million people in Quebec live in food insecurity. Half of them have completely lacked food in the past 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]