The Christmas basket initiative is supported by of Sudbury’s Ste-Anne-des-Pins Parrish which contributes to the production of baskets and made gift-cards available for many children, as well as varied food items such as ham, tourtière (meat pie), vegetables, fruits, canned goods totalling approximately $150.
The Club Richelieu Les Patriotes has held the event for more than 30 years, and they estimate that more than 3,100 baskets have been distributed since the launch of the initiative.
At this year’s event, as well as every basket giveaway since the first, 30 years ago, was Normand Gauthier. The 90 year old told Sudbury.com that he has been retired 44 years and has been a volunteer for all 44.
“I enjoy it, and there's one reason for that. Because I meet some lovely people,” said Gauthier. “I'm getting a lot from I don't know where,” he said, referring to his good fortune. “So if I can share that with somebody else, that's what I do.”
President Jacques Babin said that all four clubs in the Sudbury area help out with the event. “We've done this for many, many years and it's to help the poor,” said Babin. “And especially at Christmas time, holiday time, a lot of them are alone. A lot of them don't have any money.”
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club Richelieu Les Patriotes had to develop a safe production and distribution process to reduce social contact and ensure the safety of club members and volunteers as well as families receiving the baskets. A detailed schedule and distribution process was produced to limit contacts as bags were distributed from the Jem Mart on Kathleen Street.
