Montreal non-profit donates thousands of gifts to women and children in need

Thousands of gifts were collected by non-profit organization Carolyn’s Community in Montreal this year.

They collected over 4,000 gifts to support children and women in more than 75 shelters and organizations.

Carolyn’s Community’s flagship project, Carolyn’s Toy Drive, started in 2002. It usually starts in mid-November and continues throughout the holiday season.

Founding and Executive Director Carolyn Bouchard-MacNeil, along with her team of dedicated volunteers, or Head Elves, have been doing this for 22 years.

“It’s really like a magical moment,” said Bouchard-MacNeil. “My whole house is covered with gifts, so it brings me utmost joy.”

The idea stemmed from her sister-in law and brother-in-law — who hosted a gift wrapping party years ago where 30 toys were donated — this eventually grew into Carolyn’s Community.

The deadline to receive gifts was on Friday and several shelters and organizations will pick up the toys from her house, and the homes of volunteers.

“It brings me a lot of joy to be able to help organize people wanting to give and not knowing how to give and then we give them a place to give,” said Head Elf (volunteer) Colleen Coolen. “Were able to channel it to the proper organizations.”

Carolyn said she hopes to become a charity and has no plans on slowing down.

“I’m basically working until two three in the morning everyday,” she explained. “I’m really looking kind of to the community now to look for funding for our operational costs so I can have some funds to hire people to help.”

“So we could keep this going for another 22 years.”