The Guignolée du Dr Julien took place on Saturday across Quebec to raise the necessary funds for the 42 social pediatric centers that help vulnerable children.
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More than 500 volunteers were notably present on the ground in Montreal for this 19th edition of the fundraising.
Several events were thus held in the metropolis, between a game of boot hockey, sugar shack or even a visit from Santa Claus.
But the food drive is above all a moment to invite Quebecers to show generosity. Nearly 37 collection points were then set up in Montreal for the three centers of expertise.
- Listen to Dr Julien’s interview with Benoit Dutrizac on QUB Radio:
On the Lévis side, more than 200 volunteers mobilized despite the difficult weather conditions, which also forced the cancellation of the activities planned in Quebec.
“It’s a big chunk of our funding. We’ve had it for 12 years. It is Christmas time that is coming. People are generous and we need their support, ”explained the director general of the Lévis social pediatrics center, Maude Julien, in an interview on TVA Nouvelles on Saturday.
The money raised by each fundraiser is reinvested locally to allow the children to see doctors, social workers, educators and specialized educators.
“[L’argent permettra de] also treat children who are not doing well, because there has been a lot of anxiety and psychological distress problems [et c’est] precisely to appease all the troubles caused by this terrible isolation for everyone ”, underlined Dr. Gilles Julien.
Nearly 10,000 young people are supported in this way every year in the province.
“We want to give them the best chance to get out of this, so that they grow up healthy and safe,” said Maude Julien.
The Lévis Social Pediatric Center was able to count on the generosity and dedication of a young volunteer, Loïc Mathieu, who raised no less than $ 6,500 this year.
The young boy said he was deeply touched by the work done in social pediatric centers.
“I have never had recourse to that, because I have an exceptional entourage and I have resources. I have everything I need to develop myself, but I know that this is not the case for everyone, ”said Loïc.
People who wish to make a donation have until January 15 and can visit the Fondation du Dr Julien website.
Fondationdrjulien.org