Julien St-Jean
Shawville July 27, 2021
Community donations to Giant Tiger’s local round up campaign resulted in a $1,900 donation to Bouffe Pontiac on July 26.
The campaign ran for nearly two weeks in July and asked shoppers whether they’d like to donate after making a purchase at the Giant Tiger in Shawville. Store manager Brandyn Gauthier said that since August of last year, the store has been able to donate $6,400 to Bouffe, with the majority of the money coming from customer donations and Giant Tiger donating to round up to an even number.
Gauthier felt it’s better to make small, consistent donations.
“They constantly have to make orders throughout the year,” said Gauthier. “I think it’s important for them to always have a bit of extra money.”
Kim Laroche, director of Bouffe Pontiac said that these donations are just that, extra money that allows them to buy slightly more expensive foods than they usually offer. She said when Bouffe receives donations, it allows them to offer butter, peanut butter, kids lunch snacks and other more expensive foods. It also allows them to buy things like vitamin and Tylenol, which they can’t typically offer
“We’re able to buy different stuff and distribute it,” said Laroche. “When we have extra, we try to concentrate towards children.”
Laroche said that donations to the food bank are always appreciated, not only by those who work there, but also those who rely on it. She added that since the food bank buys from local grocers, the money continues to help support the community even after the food bank uses it.
“When they give money, it helps the food bank, it puts a smile on someone’s face and it reinvests into the community,” said Laroche. “One donation creates all of that.”
