Comfort, self-esteem and confidence. That’s what the volunteers with Habillons un enfant (tr: Let’s clothe a child) want to give children from underprivileged families. Thanks to donations of money collected all year round, the organization provides the opportunity for families from 13 Laurentians municipalities to purchase new clothes during a big annual event.

“The youngest in the family often ends up wearing hand-me downs. Our donations go directly towards dressing a child with a budget of about $250 each. Just clothes and shoes or boots, no backpacks,” explains Michel Paquette, president of Habillons un enfant in Mont-Tremblant.

The not-for-profit organization was founded in 2015 thanks to Michel Thibault’s original idea. This founder now heads a similar project in the Blainville area with the Optimist club there. In Mont-Tremblant, six volunteer directors keep the organization’s mission alive. Thanks to their involvement and that of twenty or so other volunteers, more than 99 percent of the donations go directly to the families for purchasing the clothing.

During the annual event, all the registered families get together and the volunteers go with them to shop according to the budget allocated for each child. In 2022, 271 children were clothed thanks to the engagement of several partners, including Gym 117 which provided a room for the gathering. The adolescents shopped at O’Neill and the younger children at L’Aubainerie. It’s a great treat for them to choose clothes that reflect their personality and fit them well.

Families who wish to benefit from the program must do so through a regional organization: the CLSC, La Samaritaine, the Maison de le Famille du Nord, or the schools. In order for the event scheduled for November 29 – 30 to be a success, Habillons un enfant is accepting donations on its website. Please give generously!

habillonsunenfant.com

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