With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the opportunity to give generously to help those in our communities returns. Numerous guignolées, food drives, and fundraising campaigns are happening on both sides of the Ottawa River, and organizations are seeking volunteers, food, and monetary donations to make the 2025 holiday season memorable.

Vankleek Hill

The Christmas Hamper program returns this year and is available through the Vankleek Hill Food Bank, located on Main Street.

Individuals needing a hamper can sign up by calling the food bank at 613-678-8119 before the end of the day on Saturday, November 15.

Those wishing to donate to the cause can do so at the Saturday, November 22, food drive at Foodland, 5666 Highway 34. Donations can also be dropped off at the Food Bank by appointment.

Christmas Hampers will be available for pickup by appointment during the week of December 15.

Alexandria

The kick-off of the Fill-the-Cruiser Food Drive in Alexandria will be on November 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mainville’s Your Independent Grocer, 420 Main Street South. The annual fundraiser is organized by the Alexandria branch of Saint-Vincent de Paul.

Community members can contribute at the kick-off event by donating goods, purchasing pre-filled food bags, or making monetary contributions. Individuals are welcome to drop off non-perishable donations at Saint-Vincent de Paul, 162 Main Street South, any time after the 15th.

Volunteers will participate in the Alexandria Lions Club Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7, collecting donations from onlookers along the parade route.

Individuals have until Wednesday, December 10, to request a Christmas basket by calling 613-525-0941 or by visiting the Saint-Vincent de Paul location. Baskets will then be delivered on Thursday, December 18.

L’Orignal

The L’Orignal Food Drive, organized by the L’Orignal Firefighters Association in collaboration with the L’Orignal Food Bank and the Knights of Columbus of L’Orignal, returns on Sunday, November 30, and Monday, December 1.

Non-perishable food items, cash, and cheque donations are being collected on-site at the L’Orignal Fire Station, 10 Elgin Street. Please make cheques payable to L’Orignal Food Bank, with “Food Drive” noted on the memo line.

Donations will be accepted between Monday, December 1, and Wednesday, December 17 at:

  • Saint-Jean-Baptiste School, 35 Longueuil Street, weekdays between 9:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
  • L’Orignal Food Bank, 135-C Longueuil Street, Monday and Wednesday between 9 and 11 a.m.
  • L’Orignal Canada Post, 1018 King Street, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • L’Orignal Pharmacy, 1002 County Road 17, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Brownsburg-Chatham

La Guignolée de Brownsburg-Chatham returns this year with baskets being distributed on Sunday, December 21.

Individuals requesting a basket must call 514-226-4558 to be assessed for eligibility and pay the $5 fee. Appointments will be individually assigned for basket collection, with photo identification showing proof of residence required.

On Saturday, December 6, volunteers will go door-to-door and set up roadblocks at various intersections throughout the town to collect donations of non-perishable food items and cash.

Volunteers are still needed for door-to-door and roadblock collections, sorting donations, making baskets, and distributing baskets. To volunteer, please contact 514-226-4558 as soon as possible.

Grenville

Grenville’s La Guignolée is taking place on Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30, with volunteers accepting food and cash donations.

This event is organized by the Knights of Columbus Council 3188, serving Grenville and Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, and will include donation roadblocks in Pointe-au-Chêne, Calumet, and Grenville.

Donations may also be dropped off at:

  • Centre Communautaire Campbell, 2710 Route 148
  • Centre Paul-Bougie, 414 rue Principale
  • The basement of Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Cœur, 322 rue Principale

Lachute

The Guignolée de Lachute returns for its 35th year, aiming to raise $40,000. The annual fundraiser is organized by the Centre d’entraide d’Argenteuil and will take place on Friday, November 14, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Individuals interested in receiving a basket may register with the Centre d’entraide d’Argenteuil by calling 450-562-5151.

Volunteers will be asking for donations through door-to-door visits and are requesting cash, non-perishables, and hygiene products. Additionally, donations can be dropped off at the Centre d’entraide d’Argenteuil beginning Monday, November 18, Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Guignolée de Lachute is still searching for volunteers. Those interested can contact 450-562-5151 extension 101 to learn more.

Saint-André-d’Argenteuil

The Saint-André-d’Argenteuil Guignolée is taking place on Sunday, November 23, between noon and 3 p.m.

Basket distribution is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, beginning at 8 a.m., and individuals in need can register through Église de Saint-André by Friday, December 12, by calling 450-537-3574.

Volunteers and firefighters will be at numerous intersections during the day to collect donations. Interac e-Transfer will also be available for donations.

To donate, individuals can drop off non-perishables and cash donations at the following collection sites:

  • Église de Saint-André, 1 route des Seigneurs
  • Cour de l’Église de Carillon, 11 rue Kelly
  • The parking lot of Camp des Iles, 8 chemin du Long-Sault
  • The parking lot of Atkore FRE Composites, 75 rue Wales
  • Fire Station 210, at 35 rue de la Gare