Verdun Manna Food Bank sets up donation food baskets
New Provigo manager, Velluci Florello, continues the tradition
For close to 20 years, Manna Verdun Food Bank has been helping those in need within the Verdun community and providing them with nourishment and sustenance. Citizens on social assistance, employment insurance and seniors on low fixed income are the recipients of their humanitarian work.
The past couple of years, the non-profit organization, in close collaboration with Provigo and store manager, Gino Rioux, started setting up donation boxes at the Island supermarket. Just in time for the holidays, Island shoppers would do their groceries and at the same time, spread some holiday cheer and generosity, by leaving some non-perishable goods for those less fortunate.
Last year, students from the École primaire L’Ile-des-Soeurs even sang Christmas carols during the weekends, with all the money raised going to the Manna Verdun Food Bank.
The tradition continues again this year
Despite Provigo just getting a brand new manager, the tradition of close collaboration continues. New manager, Velluci Florello, told us that he doesn’t yet know all the key players in the community, but he’s eager to continue such a worthy tradition and do everything he can to help raise funds and food for the less fortunate.
“The boxes were set up last week, but things seem to be going well, because Manna Verdun Food Bank already came by to pick up a container,� he told us during a telephone interview.
Islanders were generous last year
Last year, more than 1,000 lbs of food was collected at the store and a number of monetary donations were also made. Joe Quinn, a longtime volunteer at the non-profit organization, was thrilled with last year’s outcome and the excellent collaboration he received from Provigo. He hopes that the same will occur this year and reminds our readers that financial donations of $10 and more will be issued a tax receipt.
While the Holidays are traditionally the time when most people are most generous, the need for non-perishable food items is constant year round. If Islanders would like to donate food or money, they can send it to Manna Verdun (666 Woodland). For more information on how to help or volunteer, they can also contact Mr. Quinn, at 514-993-5797.
Météo: Montréal, 21 août 2008 / 24°C
/ Quelques nuages
/ Vents: 20 Km/h / Humidité relative: 61 % 
par Toula Foscolos 
Steven Guilbeault - Chronique environnement
Richard Cléroux - Le fouineur politique
