Sun Youth Brings Holiday Cheer and Community Support to Montreal

As we wrap up the holiday season, Sun Youth is once again demonstrating its commitment to

supporting those in need with a range of impactful initiatives. Known for its dedication to the

Montreal community since 1954, the organization gears up to distribute over 5,000 Christmas

baskets in December, ensuring that families across Montreal can celebrate with dignity and joy.

Christmas Baskets for All

Starting in October, Sun Youth begins planning its signature Christmas Basket Program. Initially reserved for their regular clients, the program later opens to the broader community. Between December 9th and 23rd, the organization operates from 8:30am to 4:30pm, distributing baskets filled with food and toys ensuring that everyone leaves with something special to celebrate the holidays.

Each basket is carefully tailored to maintain recipients' dignity and cultural accommodations,

with some items sourced through donations from companies across Montreal, while others are purchased using funds from Sun Youth's other programs.

The Power of Volunteers

Sun Youth’s holiday success is powered by a dedicated team of 45-50 staff members and

countless volunteers. From stocking shelves to helping and welcoming clients, these individualsplay an important role in the operation. Notably, children from Sun Youth’s programs join in to serve clients, learning valuable lessons about giving back to the community.

Corporate volunteers and community members alike step up to support, while partnerships with organizations such as the SQ ensure a smooth distribution process. For those unable to visit in person, Sun Youth delivers up to 40 baskets daily to individuals with mobility challenges, pregnant women, and other vulnerable clients.

West Island Community

In 2024, 221 food baskets were donated to families in the West Island community alone.

Beyond the holiday season, Sun Youth continues to make a meaningful impact in the West

Island through various initiatives. One standout is their hockey program in Pierrefonds, where

newcomers to Canada are introduced to the joys of skating and hockey with the help of

dedicated volunteer coaches and donated equipment.

Another key initiative in 2023 was the Bike Patrol Program, which saw volunteers patrolling

parks and public spaces on bicycles, offering assistance and a friendly presence to pedestrians in the West Island.

Get Involved Year-Round

Sun Youth provides year-round opportunities for members of the West Island and Montreal

communities to get involved. To volunteer or learn more about their diverse programs, visit Sun Youth’s website or contact them directly.

https://sunyouth.org/contact-us/