Food hampers given out to Gatineau flood victims
Hundreds of Gatineau flood victims took home hampers Saturday thanks to the Moisson Outaouais, a local not-for-profit that deals with food security in western Quebec.
More than 500 people received baskets filled with food, hygiene and cleaning products, as well as a prepaid gift card for a grocery store.
Devastating floods ripped through the the Ottawa-Gatineau region this past spring, forcing many people in the area to leave their homes.
Those who were able to return home found extensive damage, and most of their stored food had to be discarded.
"We received a list from the city, so people are registered. When they arrive, they check in at the entrance with their proof of address," said Armand Kayolo, the general manager of Moisson Outaouais.
"Then they are sent to the warehouse in the back to receive the baskets."
'Warms my heart'
The items were distributed at the École secondaire du Versant and at the Aylmer Food Centre, which housed the donation centres opened at the height of the crisis.
More than 46,000 kilograms of food was distributed Saturday, as well as $257,000 in prepaid gift cards.
Moisson Outaouais said the two donation centres made it possible to collect a large amount of both non-perishable foods and cash donations.
"It warms the heart to see the generosity of people," said Gaston Éthier, a Gatineau resident affected by the floods.
"I take my hat off to everyone … It's better organized than in 2017."
