By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Sherbrooke & District made a meaningful contribution to Moisson Estrie on June 25, donating $2,285 raised through grassroots initiatives. The presentation took place at Moisson Estrie’s headquarters on 10e Avenue Sud in Sherbrooke, where CFUW members also received a tour of the facility.
“We’re basically a group of ladies who just want to make the world better, largely through education,” said CFUW Sherbrooke & District President Ann Louise Carson on the scene. She explained that while the group focuses on promoting access to education, it also chooses a charity each year to support through various fundraising activities. This year, the members voted to direct their efforts toward addressing food insecurity.
The money was raised through simple community activities—selling books for 50 cents each, organizing events, and gathering donations during group outings. “Whatever we make, we give away,” said Carson. “And this year, there’s been a lot of awareness about food insecurity.”
CFUW members were particularly impressed with Moisson Estrie’s regional reach and operational efficiency. “They cover all the Townships,” Carson said, adding that the organization’s impact aligns well with the CFUW’s desire to support people across the region.
The donation will go a long way. As Nancy Gosselin, Development Manager for Moisson Estrie, explained, “Thanks to agreements with local merchants, each dollar is multiplied by 13.” That means the $2,285 donation has the potential to generate nearly $30,000 worth of food.
The funds will be used to purchase food for Moisson Estrie’s social grocery program and to supply 60 partner organizations throughout the Estrie region. “We cover seven MRCs,” Gosselin noted.
The need is growing. “In one year, we went from about 150 or 160 people to 207 per day,” Gosselin said, referring to the number of individuals Moisson Estrie serves daily. The number of accredited partner organizations has also grown, from 55 to 61. “Food insecurity is present, unfortunately, and it’s increasing.”
For Carson, the choice of Moisson Estrie was also a natural extension of the CFUW’s core mission. “There’s a link between food and education,” she said. “Children who don’t eat in the morning or don’t eat well during the day have a much harder time learning.”
Moisson Estrie is always looking for volunteers to support its growing operations.
