I had the honour of visiting The Depot Community Food Centre - formerly the NDG Food Depot…read moreyesterday and getting a better idea of all the incredible programs being developed and run through this powerful community hub, and then shared whole heartedly by this passionate organization with other food security organizations around Montreal and around the country. Currently located in a former restaurant, the space which they open to the public for community dinners and emergency food box pickup is incredibly welcoming. There are picnic tables outside, small tables and chairs, a welcoming front desk, and a kitchen buzzing with volunteers. Being here truly makes you want to spend more time here. Twice a week this incredible space offers a free community meal to anyone who shows up - literally anyone. They do not ask people to present proof of income or anything like that. The goal here is truly to build community and to break isolation and to forge links between all members of our local Montreal community. The meal that is served showcases recipes that can be made using the exact ingredients made available in the emergency food baskets, so folks come for a meal, pick up their baskets if they need one, and then can get help from a variety of other practitioners including social workers, legal aide, folks who can help with meal planning - these days they are even helping people register and get ready to vote! The best. The chef here helped develop the menu at Damas so volunteers are learning from a very gifted pro, and the community at every level is being treated with love and respect, and respect for good food. There is so much more going on here, including hundreds of kids getting afterschool snacks, hundreds of families growing food through community gardens managed by the depot, intergeneration meals, cultural cooking, good food markets, and just so much more. I'm excited that Yelp will be doing more to be involved with supporting this world-changing organization in the future, so Yelp Elites watch for that, and everyone go check them out and see if there are ways that make sense for you to get involved. Because this is the good stuff.

Every year, my foodie group and I, volunteer at Moisson Montreal by giving some of our time and…read morehelping out with general tasks around the warehouse. This year, 27 of us, spent our afternoon sorting through goods and boxing up cans to be distributed to over 230 local food banks. Moisson Montreal is Canada's biggest food bank and basically collect goods from supermarkets and through donations to redistribute to the local community. They are one of the top 10 charities in Canada for being able to multiply their donations, meaning for every dollar received they give back 15$ in donations; that's huge! They have a very welcoming and friendly staff, and they always make my volunteering experience fun and rewarding. Can't wait to do it again!

Located in Point Saint Charles Share the Warmth has been offering valuable service to communities…read morethroughout the south west of Montreal since 1989. Having moved to The Point in 2008 I've had the opportunity, both as a community member and as a board member, to see firsthand the positive impact that Share the Warmth's programs have on the community. Share the Warmth offers a variety of programs, with a particular emphasis on youth, that include music, tutoring, food security and job training. As a small community organization located in the heart of the community that they serve Share the Warmth is ideally situated to respond to the evolving needs of the community. For example during the covid-19 pandemic Share the Warmth adapted it's food bank ensuring a continuity of service while prioritizing a safe environment for members, employees and volunteers while responding to a 50% increase in families requesting emergency food assistance. Share the Warmth is a top notch organization delivering high quality program to Montreal children and families in need of support in the areas of education, food security and job training. I encourage you to learn more about this great organization by visiting their website and seeing how you can get involved.

Having met members of the board and other volunteers and seen the incredible scale of the work that…read moregoes on here I am a whole-hearted fan. Serving free lunch programs to kids at 20 different schools, offering free tutoring and music programs and all kinds of other resources to help kids stay in school in the face of an incredibly high drop out rate makes these folks local heroes and deserving of all our love and support. Get involved if you can! They also run a food bank and thrift shop that are always happy to receive donations and to make new friends and allies!

Mission Nouvelle Generation (MNG) is an organism that aims to fight poverty. It is primarily a food…read morebank, but also offers certain services like garage/bike/auto repairs and has its own thrift store where you can buy a mix of new and used goods (clothing, toys, furniture, toiletries..). My family has been volunteering here for the past few months. If you, or someone you know on the South Shore is struggling to obtain basic necessities like food, then MNG is a valuable asset. For a very modest price of $10 or $15, you can get an entire shopping cart full of groceries. Lots of healthy options: fruits, vegetables, dairy, breads, canned goods, even deserts and meats. Families don't walk away with just a box of goods, it is literally a whole shopping cart overflowing with food, they are very generous. They even host special donation drives for back-to-school events (in August, you could get very cheap school supplies, books, backpacks, etc), and there should be a special event around Christmas too. A lot of donations come from supermarkets and big chains (Costco) all over the city. Daily donations pour in, pallets and truck loads of food that is still perfectly edible. Sometimes food and items are donated just because their packaging is dented, or missing a label. Food that is not fit for human consumption is shipped off as animal feed. If you do not need the services of a food bank, but want to donate your time, money, or any material good that could be useful for families, I strongly recommend MNG. The place is run by both volunteers and employees- it is such an eye opener when you see all the things supermarkets no longer want on their shelves, and how much it can benefit those in need. The people working here are passionate and those who benefit from the services are so grateful. What a great place! This is my best discovery of 2020.

As we were walking around the Plateau, my stepson wanted to check out this place. He's big on…read morevintage stuff and this store had lots of items like clothing and home stuff. There were many things to choose from both from the Men's side as well as the Women's area. Of course, the women's section was larger and more varied. A good thrift store option if you are in the area.

I've been turning a new leaf lately and shopping exclusively at second hand stores for the things I…read moreneed. My friend took me to this renaissance and I really liked it! They have a great selection of clothing and books. I managed to find two work appropriate shirts and one was Uniqlo! (one my favourite brands). I also found a book I liked for only $3.75. What I love about Renaissance is that they are tax free and they accept debit, credit, and cash! Lines are a bit long to try on, but that was to be expected.

How happy am I to have a great little thrift store just down the street? You know, I go through…read moreclothes so fast that this place is a total boon in my life. It's easy to drop off my used clothes in their funky bin right out front, and just as easy to go in and get some cheap treasures! So, I'm pretty sure this place is a bit of a neighbourhood secret, and maybe it's best it stay that way because the selection is pretty great. I'd say I go for a browse once every couple of weeks, and end up leaving with at least three good new items to wear, having spent only $10 or so! They seem to have different outlets in various places around the province and I believe they're a charity for the elderly. The sales from their boutique support programs in different communities that work to promote a sense of belonging, dignity and respect in old age. Wear your heart on your sleeve with this place!

love this place, but upstairs - tresors - is my favorite part. all sorts of interesting, well…read morepriced, good condition, and/or antique decor, furniture, kitchen items, etc. great cause too, they are an organization providing support & companionship for the elderly.