Things were looking a little bit “Frosty” at Gab’s restaurant this week, as paint night hosted by Judith Simard saw friends and patrons painting snowmen together. Aside from the fun and sense of community paint nights bring, what made this paint night special was that a part of the proceeds went to the Snowsuit Campaign, a fundraiser put on by the Rockland Family centre, which aimed to provide warm clothes to children most in need for the coming winter. 

Also participating in the night’s activities was Judith Gour, Executive Director of GroupeAction, the organization that oversees programs organized by the Rockland family Centre. We were able to talk to Judith how the campaign works, and why the programs and services offered at the Rockland Family Centre, and GroupeAction as a whole, are important for the communities they serve. 

The snowsuit campaign has existed in Rockland for 15 years, and it aims to provide and “assist families with low-income, or financial adversities”. Families that want to apply must fill out a form, which asks for proof of income and proof of address, which is used to prevent fraud and misuse of the program. 

With the frequent lockdowns hindering businesses ability to make money, Judith worried that businesses would not be able to donate, but the overwhelming support this year was “heartwarming”. 

Judith also talked about GroupeAction, and all the services that they provide, which include Hearing clinics, Child development services, pregnancy services, which are handled by the family centres like the one in Rockland. In addition, they have disability services through their Outreach program.

Since they are funded by the public health agency, all the programs are free. Judith says that it is important that they remain free, so that they can continue to provide services to as many families as they can.