Community offered support, friendship

Manon knows the power of community. In her early adulthood, Manon was in and out of the hospital because of mental-health issues. Following a particularly rough patch, she said, a local community centre provided her with work and a circle of friends that she has maintained to this day. Armed with that support, Manon said, she was able to keep a positive outlook when faced with a breast cancer diagnosis last year. “I said I’m going to make it through it, and I did.” Now in remission, she said friends and social workers at her community centre help her from day to day. “We never know what can happen, so we need to stay positive,” said Manon. “It makes us stronger.” While the 60-year-old lives with limited means, Manon said she helps her daughter as much as she can. A $20 bill here and there goes a long way, she said, and helps to feed and clothe her two grandchildren. “I don’t have money, but I have a lot of love,” she said with a laugh. She said the $125 cheque she receives from the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund supplements the money she receives from social assistance. It helps her buy food and Christmas gifts for her daughter and grandchildren. Manon is one of the thousands of Montrealers in need who benefit from the fund every year. “It’s my favourite Christmas gift,” she said.

HOW TO HELP

Donate online: www.christmasfund.com. Mail or drop off donations to Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund, 1010 Ste-Catherine St. W., Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec H3B 5L1. Fill out the coupon on Page B10.