Another Example of SNJM Solidarity With the Success of the Missionary Exposition-Sale

Two new organizations have benefitted from the success of the craft fair held from October 19 to 23 at Maison Jésus-Marie as part of World Mission Week.  Sr. Suzanne Lavallée, who oversees this annual event, enthusiastically proclaimed, “This latest edition was a resounding success.”

After the difficult years caused by the constraints imposed by the pandemic, the 2023 edition was a resounding success. It’s worth noting that the talent of the thirty or so Sisters in both pavilions and the lay people has not diminished, quite the contrary.

At work all year round, alone or in groups, these nimble fingers create numerous pieces ranging from traditional scarves to mittens, tuques and sweaters, as well as items for infants, including little bonnets for premature babies. Another Sister also makes ceramic pieces.

A successful collaboration

The draw for some of the remarkable pieces delighted the winners and boosted revenues for this exhibition, which attracted many visitors. Profits from the event are donated to various organizations, in addition to the many boxes of items. “We received two new requests this year from Accueil Bonneau and L’Envol,” says Sr Suzanne, delighted to be able to meet their needs.

Sr Suzanne Lavallée

Other beneficiaries include the Fondation du Dr. Julien, Entraide Chez Nous, the Société Saint-Vincent de Paul, organizations working with the homeless, and the Premature Baby’s Unit at Sainte-Justine Hospital.

The success of this event is due, of course, to the craftswomen and the response of the public, who are loyal to the event. However, without the contribution of her “awesome team “, Sr. Suzanne, who can no longer easily move around, would not be able to carry out such a project. “This team is really wonderful. Each member takes care of placing the items on their table, managing it and seeing to the little details. When everything is finished, they put away the unsold items, clearly identifying them. This makes my job much easier when it comes to preparing the boxes to meet the expectations of each organization,” emphasizes Sr Suzanne.

In addition to the enthusiastic support of her right-hand woman, Sr. Monique Gendron, Sr. Suzanne enjoys the unfailing support of Sisters Marielle Beaudoin, Monique Pomerleau, Pierrette Panneton, Lorraine Bouffard, Marielle Lemay, Madeleine Marchand and Suzanne Morin. “I want to thank them sincerely. Without them, this activity would not be possible.

Photo credits: Srs Hélène Harvey and Suzanne Brault