Montreal firefighters make thousands of children happy and 1,300 families grateful with the 37th major Christmas basket distribution

With smiles of joy and gratitude, members of 1300 families warmly welcomed Montreal firefighters and volunteers, who took on the role of Santa Claus, delivering baskets filled with food and toys that will bring much-needed joy to families during the holiday season. These families, who otherwise may not have been able to celebrate with dignity, include 569 large families ranging from 3 to 11 members.

Chris Ross, President of the Montreal Firefighters Association, shared, "It was important for us to bring this essential comfort to families who are facing hardships due to job loss, illness, or difficult economic situations in these uncertain times." He emphasized that firefighters are always ready to lend a hand to ease the burden on these Montreal families.

Each family received a food basket worth $470, including a traditional turkey, the centerpiece of the classic Christmas meal.

Firefighter Jonathan Charlebois, campaign manager, highlighted the role of Montreal's firefighters in becoming heroes of social solidarity, especially in times of severe economic uncertainty. He encouraged citizens to continue supporting this collective effort by donating online to the Montreal Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund’s sociofinancing site, the Montreal Firefighters Association Christmas Basket Campaign, accessible through the Zeffy platform until the end of December.

Finally, the President of the Association expressed gratitude to all the firefighters, volunteers, auxiliary firefighters, and sponsors, including the Service de Sécurité-Fire de Montréal (SIM), Caisse Desjardins du Réseau municipal, Burrows insurance brokerage, and Olymbec real estate rental firm, for their invaluable contributions to this longstanding initiative that has brightened the lives of over 40,000 families in the past decades.