From its humble beginnings as a community initiative, the West Island Mission in Montreal has experienced exponential growth in its services and impact. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of dedicated volunteers, generous donors and local partners, the organization has been able to expand its reach and reach a growing number of people in need.
Every week, the organization welcomes families and individuals to its welcoming center, where they can stock up on fresh produce, non-perishable foods and basic necessities. The organization stands out from several other similar initiatives by its grocery store style operation where everyone can choose the foods they prefer from the available choices.
Another particularity that characterizes the West Island Mission is the quality of its products, an aspect that is close to its heart. In fact, it offers, among other things, fresh vegetables, from April to October, from community gardens in the region and asks donors to provide unexpired products. This allows the most vulnerable to also have access to fresh, good quality food while preserving a certain dignity.
In addition, the organization regularly organizes food collection campaigns and works with local supermarkets to collect unsold items in order to limit food waste.
Currently, their inventory is lower than ever, which worries executive director Suzanne Scarrow for the months to come. This phenomenon is clearly influenced by generalized inflation, the director tells us that this is increasingly felt in the quantity and quality of the products given.
With food scarcity becoming more and more obvious, the organization is working hard in terms of selecting the families and individuals it helps and working to provide its clients with additional resources that will allow them to get back on their feet. foot as quickly as possible. This is, among other things, the role of their specialist worker: Sandra Watson. Sandra works directly with West Island Mission clients to direct them to other available resources that meet their needs and allow them to improve their situation.
Thanks to its tireless work, the West Island Mission has become much more than just a charitable organization: it has become a pillar of solidarity in the heart of Pointe-Claire and for all residents of the West Island. . Its positive impact goes far beyond the distribution of food and essential goods; it brings a glimmer of hope and support to those going through difficult times, and it encourages them to overcome the obstacles that stand before them.
