Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

As Opération Père Noël begins its 30th annual campaign, the organization has seen a
significant rise in requests from children, particularly in the Outaouais region, including
Gatineau, Papineau, and Pontiac. The foundation, which connects underprivileged children with
“Santas” who fulfill their Christmas wishes, is facing a growing gap between the number of
children in need and available volunteers.

With inflation and economic pressures affecting many families, the foundation expects to
receive around 33,000 letters from children this year, an increase of 15% compared to last year.
Thérèse Guillemette, Mother Christmas and co-founder of Opération Père Noël, points to the
difficult financial situation of many Quebec families as the primary cause for this increase.
“We are appealing to people’s generosity, especially in the Outaouais, Abitibi, and Gaspésie
regions, to ensure that all children can have a magical moment on December 25,” said
Guillemette. She emphasized that many children, in addition to asking for toys or books, are
now requesting essential items like winter coats, boots, and even food, as poverty deepens in
these communities.

Opération Père Noël allows volunteers to become “Santa Claus” by signing up through the
foundation’s website, where they receive a child’s wish list and provide a gift, typically valued at
around $50. While toys and clothing remain common requests, the foundation is seeing more
children asking for basic needs to be met this year, underlining the financial strain on many
families.

“Many young people are not asking for a treat but rather for necessities, like a warm coat or
boots,” Guillemette added, stressing the importance of fulfilling these requests to bring some
relief to struggling families.

To address the growing number of requests and the shortage of volunteers, the foundation is
also calling for donations. Monetary contributions help fulfill last-minute requests and provide
gifts for children in emergency situations, such as those in shelters or rehabilitation centres on
Christmas Eve. Donations can be made directly through the foundation’s website:
https://operationperenoel.com/

On November 6, the foundation will host a Christmas cocktail party at Maison Alcan to raise
additional funds. The event offers an opportunity for people to contribute to Opération Père Noël
while enjoying a festive evening. Tickets are available online, with all proceeds supporting the
foundation’s mission to bring joy to children in need.

Thérèse Guillemette expressed her deep gratitude to those who have already volunteered or
donated, saying, “Their commitment will make a big difference in a child’s life, giving them hope
and reminding them that Santa Claus truly exists.”​

Photo: Opération Père Noël is facing a growing need for volunteers and donations in the
Outaouais region as requests from children in need have increased by 15% this year due to
economic hardships. (TF) Photo courtesy of Opération Père Noël