The L’Orignal Firefighters Association had record-breaking results during its 2025 L’Orignal Food Drive and Christmas Basket Campaign.

This year, $27,910 in monetary donations was raised in support of the L’Orignal Food Bank. In addition, 3,306 non-perishable food items, representing more than 1,759 kilograms of food, were collected throughout the Food Drive, which took place from November 30 to December 17.

This year, Christmas baskets were distributed to 60 families, benefiting a total of 130 individuals, helping ensure a more comfortable and dignified holiday season for many households in the community.

“This year’s response was truly remarkable,” said François Bellemare of the L’Orignal Firefighters Association. “We have never received this level of support for our annual Food Drive. Seeing residents and volunteers come together so strongly is incredibly heartwarming, and it shows the true spirit of our community during the holiday season.”

The success of the campaign was also driven by the dedication of volunteers. About 50 volunteers, including firefighters, community members, and members of the Auxiliary Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police, contributed their time and effort across all stages of the initiative, including the Food Drive, collection, sorting, inventory, basket preparation, and distribution.

This achievement is the result of a strong and ongoing partnership between the L’Orignal Food Bank, the Knights of Columbus of L’Orignal, and the L’Orignal Firefighters Association.

The organizing committee would like to sincerely thank Asselin Your Independent Grocer, L’Orignal Packing, La Binerie Plantagenet, École élémentaire catholique Saint-Jean-Baptiste, École secondaire catholique régionale de Hawkesbury (ESCRH), Matrix Foods, Ivaco Rolling Mills, the L’Orignal Canada Post Office, the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, Pharmachoice L’Orignal, Ferme Avicole Laviolette, Hawkesbury Rotary Club, Lalonde Physio, Huneault Garage Doors, and the Club Richelieu Long-Sault for their generous support throughout the campaign.

Submitted photos

The youngest volunteer waits for boxes to prepare Christmas baskets for local
families.
Auxiliary Sergeants from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) helps volunteers prepare
Christmas baskets for local families
L’Orignal firefighter and auxiliary constable place boxes ready for delivery to local
families.
Tables filled with donated food items following the two-day food drive, in the L’Orignal
Fire Station classroom.