Opération Père Noël faces growing need for volunteers in Outaouais

Tashi Farmilo

As Opération Père Noël begins its 30th annual campaign, the organisation has seen a significant rise in requests from children, particularly in the Outaouais region, including Gatineau, Papineau, and Pontiac. The foundation, which connects underprivileged children with "Santas" who fulfil their Christmas wishes, is facing a growing gap between the number of children in need and available volunteers.

With inflation and economic pressures affecting many families, the foundation expects to receive around 33,000 letters from children this year, an increase of 15% compared to last year. Thérèse Guillemette, Mother Christmas and co-founder of Opération Père Noël, points to the difficult financial situation of many Quebec families as the primary cause for this increase.

"We are appealing to people's generosity, especially in the Outaouais, Abitibi, and Gaspésie regions, to ensure that all children can have a magical moment on December 25," said Guillemette. She emphasised that many children, in addition to asking for toys or books, are now requesting essential items like winter coats, boots, and even food, as poverty deepens in these communities.

Opération Père Noël allows volunteers to become "Santa Claus" by signing up through the foundation’s website, where they receive a child's wish list and provide a gift, typically valued at around $50. While toys and clothing remain common requests, the foundation is seeing more children asking for basic needs to be met this year, underlining the financial strain on many families.

"Many young people are not asking for a treat but rather for necessities, like a warm coat or boots," Guillemette added, stressing the importance of fulfilling these requests to bring some relief to struggling families.

To address the growing number of requests and the shortage of volunteers, the foundation is also calling for donations. Monetary contributions help fulfil last-minute requests and provide gifts for children in emergency situations, such as those in shelters or rehabilitation centres on Christmas Eve. Donations can be made directly through the foundation’s website: www.operationperenoel.com 

On November 6, the foundation will host a Christmas cocktail party at Maison Alcan to raise additional funds. The event offers an opportunity for people to contribute to Opération Père Noël while enjoying a festive evening. Tickets are available online, with all proceeds supporting the foundation’s mission to bring joy to children in need.

Thérèse Guillemette expressed her deep gratitude to those who have already volunteered or donated, saying, "Their commitment will make a big difference in a child’s life, giving them hope and reminding them that Santa Claus truly exists."