West Island Food Insecurity
WEST ISLAND SOLIDARITY GARDENS ARE BACK: West Island Solidarity Gardens (WISG) are back this year following a successful first edition.West Island Community Shares, West Island Mission and Corbeille de pain collaborated to create the Solidarity Gardens initiative in the Spring of 2020 which provided fresh produce to other community organizations distributing in the West Island. This year, the initiative is joined with corporate partners and municipalities.The initiative rallies to support more than 750 West Island families facing food insecurity. Over the past year, the current COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the most vulnerable populations in the community. Food insecurity remains one of the main concerns for those who are isolated, sick or without work. Local food banks faced an increase of between 20% and 50% in the number of families requesting food baskets. âFood insecurity remains one of the top issues faced by members of our c
For the first time in its history, and thanks to a wave of generosity by friends, families, neighbors, and partners, West Island Community Shares announced in a May 5 release (continued below) a record-breaking $1.4 Million being distributed to the community following their annual fundraising campaign, known as the West Island Solidarity Fund.
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The Solidarity Fund was set up not only to provide financial support to meet urgent needs of the community during what was a very difficult year, but also to give community organizations the financial support they need to provide crucial services during the recovery period.
The pandemic has shone the light on three areas of vulnerability in our region that needed additional support, such as at-risk families, vulnerable women and underrepresented cultural populations. Therefore, the fund distribution committee recommended to add Maison Caracol, the West Island Womenâs Shelter, the West Island Womenâs Centre, as well as the West