Montreal Almage Senior Community Centre celebrates ‘Month of Giving’
Posted November 25, 2025 6:38 pm.
Last Updated November 25, 2025 6:47 pm.
It’s been dubbed the “Month of Giving” by organizers at the Almage Senior Community Centre in the Hochelaga borough of Montreal.
Members got together every Tuesday during the month of November to work on multiple projects, such as crafting for a cause, a puzzle-thon, assembling meal-based care packages, and even held a charity event.
“The month of November sometimes is a little bit more sombre, not much to do, not much creativity happening, so we said, ‘well why not give back?’ And we have a lot of people here, members who are really into fundraising. So we said, ‘well, why not dedicate something, a project in mind that we can give back to those in need,'” said Sabrina Di Ioia, the executive director of Almage Senior Community Centre.
Ruth Keddy, a member of the community centre, said: “We crochet, and we knit hats and scarves and stuff, and whatever I can donate, I donate. You know if it’s money, if it’s food, if it’s whatever it is, I’ll donate.”
Beverley Baird, another member, added, “I don’t knit. No, but I come, and I volunteer, I set the tables, and I help out, and you know, I do my little bit apart.”
They’re back Tuesday for the final Community Giving event of the month, where they’ll give back one last time by donating to community organizations all over Montreal.
“It’s like the grand finale of all our giving back donations, goods and stuff that we did!” said Di Ioia.
“We’re having a sale today, and all the money that’s raised goes to charity,” added Keddy. “And yeah, I’ve donated in the basket over there.”
With a Christmas-themed sale to close off the month-long event, they managed to raise nearly $200 in monetary donations and nearly 500 items ranging from food, toiletries, and socks to knitted and crocheted items made by members.
“This is great because there’s so many people that don’t have anything and we’re fortunate that we’re able to give back,” said Baird.
“It feels good,” Keddy said. “It feels really good. Yeah. To know that you’re helping others doesn’t cost anything. It doesn’t cost anything. I’m a very friendly person. You know, and I like people. So, hey, if I can help you, I will help you.”
While November’s ‘Month of Giving’ might be over, members and organizers at Almage say they have no plan to stop giving back any time soon, with many more events planned for the upcoming holiday season.
“We’re in the business of really giving back and also keeping our members occupied and busy. So in December we have basic events surrounding our membership such as our Christmas party, our pajama party and we also have another event where we’re going to be selling some of our products,” said Di Ioia.
