Guignolée in Orleans

Annual SSVP Orleans Food Drive a Huge Success!

The annual food drive by the St Vincent de Paul chapter in Orléans, also known as La Guignolée, was held on December 4th 2016. The weather was mild with a little sun and no snow. La Guignolée is the principal event in Orleans to gather food, clothing, furniture and money for the benefit of those in need at Christmas and throughout the year.

Charitable Donations

At the end of the day two 5 ton trucks were loaded with furniture and clothing. These will be brought to the St Vincent de Paul Ottawa Thrift Stores to be distributed to whomever may require them, or for sale in the charity shops to support community programs. The non-perishable food donations have been gathered into food baskets to help over 100 families for the Christmas holidays. Funds and further goods will be used to help 20 or more families per month throughout the year. Over $20000 in funds were donated this year.

Volunteers Needed

Over 350 volunteers came to help this year’s Guignolée. Among the groups supporting Vincentians in their fight against poverty in our neighborhoods were the Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, the Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, and teams from Garneau Catholic High School and Béatrice Desloges Catholic High School as well as friends from local parishes and many young families. A baked bean diner was held at the end of the day to thank the volunteers. St Vincent de Paul Orleans is very thankful for the great turnout of volunteers. Participating in La Guignolée is rewarding and a great opportunity to bring friends and family together. We hope to see even more volunteers next year as this year could of been an even greater success with a higher turnout.