Success of the “Many Gifts for Adolescents” Campaign

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) of Quebec once again demonstrated their willingness to contribute to the mission to the very end. The residents of Maison Jésus-Marie (MJM), with the collaboration of the MJM staff and the provincial and general administrations, enthusiastically took part in the Christmas campaign, offering gifts and greeting cards to young people attending L’Envol.

Marianne Daudelin, activities and community services coordinator at MJM, and Josée Livernoche, Executive Director of L’Envol.

This Longueuil-based organization helps young mothers and their families in a variety of ways, including promoting optimal child development in a “healthy, loving, secure and stimulating” environment. During a presentation of the organization on November 8, Executive Director Josée Livernoche gave an overview of the current situation. She explained the need to diversify programs and services in partnership with public and community networks in order to meet the challenges these young people are facing.

“L’Envol shows you that a child is not a handicap. On the contrary, a child gives you the opportunity to see life through his or her eyes. When I come to L’Envol, I take care of myself,” says a young mother. The organization now covers a wide range of needs. There is a day center, a back-to-school project, a social pediatrics center certified by the Fondation Dr. Julien, home visits and supervised visits, social housing, a drop-in daycare center and a daycare center. A lot has changed since the involvement of a few Sisters in the organization’s early days several years ago.

Successful Christmas campaign at MJM

L’Envol’s Christmas party is an ideal opportunity to help build a sense of place and belonging. In addition to young mothers, we welcome dads and other family members. It’s not unusual for guests to join in at the last minute.

The success of the operation at MJM will provide gifts to a whole group of young people, girls and boys, aged over 10, as well as being able to give gifts to other people. “We raised more money than we had estimated,” says Marianne Daudelin, activities and community services coordinator, who spearheaded the project. So, in addition to the gifts originally planned for some thirty young teens, others were added, as well as gift cards.

This year’s operation involved a presentation by L’Envol’s Executive Director at the beginning of November, fund-raising among the staff, and the search for and purchase of items prior to packing. This “wrapping” task was entrusted to a few Sisters who took into account, among other things, instructions related to the flu and COVID outbreaks. The many gifts will be delivered on December 1, a week before L’Envol’s Christmas party on December 9.

In previous years, the SNJMs of Quebec have taken part in similar campaigns to bring a little joy and happiness to people experiencing homelessness. This time, their generosity will warm the hearts of young people in difficult situations.

Photo credits: Srs. Suzanne Brault and Hélène Harvey