Knights of Colombus guignolée: more than a hundred families receive a Christmas basket

Knights of Colombus guignolée: more than a hundred families receive a Christmas basket

The local Knights of Columbus hosted their annual “guignolée” or food drive last Friday in the communities of Fort-Coulonge and Mansfield. Ninety volunteers split among 12 teams canvassed door-to-door for donations, which were collected and distributed from the parish hall.

According to one of the organizers, Ken Hobbs, they were able to distribute enough food for around 300 people.

The event raised about $10,000 in cash, including donations from retailers and sponsors. Hobbs said that many cheques are still pending due to postal delays.

Approximately, 110 children were given gifts by the Angle Tree Project, managed by the volunteer team of Lucille Bélair and Claudette Pleau.

Hobbs also noted that fewer families are enrolled than anticipated due to the current economic challenges. The residents of Fort-Coulonge and Mansfield can also sign up to get food assistance through Bouffe Pontiac.