Single mom gets a little holiday help

Milaine’s young daughter loves everything girlie.

The 10-year-old, she explained, loves makeup, music and dancing. Her favourite is ballet.

“It’s the only activity that I can allow her to do,” she said.

Milaine said her income is minimal because she has been on medical leave from work for some time. She also said she receives little financial support from her daughter’s father and none from her family. As a result, she said, she relies on food banks to help her.

This year, a $125 cheque from the Montreal Gazette Christmas fund will help Milaine buy a Christmas tree and a present for her daughter. The fund helps thousands of individuals in need through the holiday season every year.

“It’s really nice,” Milaine said. “It helps me a lot.”

Their plan for the holiday: “We’ll have a Christmas dinner with our tree and treat ourselves a little bit.”

While she’s still waiting for her daughter’s wish list, she said a ukulele, paint and paintbrushes might happen to make an appearance under the tree this year.

Milaine said that making it through with little money is quite challenging, especially for those with children. It’s hard to say no to her daughter and not be able to provide her with the things that her classmates have, she said. “It’s not always obvious,” she said.

Sometimes, it comes down to her daughter not being able to attend birthday parties because she can’t afford a gift for the child. “I just want her to be happy.”