La Broquerie Helping Hands (LHH) officially celebrated the grand opening of their new facility with a community barbecue on Wednesday, May 7.
Founded in April 2024, LHH moved into their permanent location in October. Now that construction is complete, the organization marked the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a warm welcome to the community.
Residents were invited to meet the team, take a tour of the new space, and enjoy a free hotdog. Attendees were also encouraged to bring a tin for the bin, helping to support the food bank.
Ivan Normandeau, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie, praised the new facility.
“It's been donated by a local businessman here, so it's great. All the volunteers, I know the majority of them, and they all did a lot of work to the facility. It's beautiful, and it's something that is needed in La Broquerie.”
Normandeau says that while accessing support can be difficult for some, it's an essential resource for those facing tough times.
“It's something that I think will keep on going. I know it's a lot of work, though. We always need volunteers. I know the board, they work very hard, but it'd be nice to have a bit more volunteers, and it's a great thing for La Broquerie.”
Since LHH opened its doors, the number of clients has already doubled. Though the growing demand is unfortunate, Normandeau is glad help is available when needed.
“Sometimes you have challenges, and people are using it. It's a great initiative,” he says. “I know the municipality, the RM is donating money this year in our budget. I know many families who use the Helping Hands, and they're very grateful for it.”
He expresses gratitude for the community.
“Everybody in the RM, thank you very much, even from the outside. I know there are people here from the RM of Ste. Anne, and then they're donating. So, it's a big thank you for everyone. It's very needed.”
Volunteer Carol Lambert says the grand opening was a great way to show the public how the facility operates and how much support goes out to those in need.
Currently serving 100 households, Lambert explains that the families are deeply appreciative of the help they receive.
“They're so happy that we have this here in our own community and even if it's just a meal for a day, it helps them to get through, especially with the school program, where at least they know they don't have to spend all that money and they know that they're OK for another two weeks. So, it helps them financially and as well for their own self-worth kind of thing.”
She says she has always wanted to be part of an initiative like LHH, and now she gets to volunteer right in her community.
“I feel like I'm doing a part in our own community, and I feel good about it. And seeing other people coming in that need help makes you realize that there's a lot of people that need our help. And why not, even if it's just volunteering, it's something that you do and feel good about ourselves.”
Community member Suzelle Grenier stopped by the event to see the facility and shares her excitement about what LHH brings to the area.
“I'm appreciative of the fact that we have it in our community right now because it's been a long time coming. I've been thinking about it myself for the past, I say 10 years or so saying we need this in this community, but sometimes you just don't have the time to set it up. And when these ladies did that, I'm just very appreciative knowing that now they're incorporated, they're independent, we're flying on our own wings right now.”
Although the shelves may have looked full, they are quickly emptied following distribution day, leaving LHH in need of more donations. Grenier is encouraging the community to continue their support.
“They need you to give for sure, and I think just to ensure that there's always something there, monthly donations would be probably the best thing to do. Like, yes, they need food. But also just the monetary donations also can help to fill in the gap where things aren't donated but are needed, they can go and buy that.”
With files from Carly Coop
@steinbach_online La Broquerie Helping Hands held their grand opening on May 7!
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