Vaudreuil food bank brings hope to families in need

VAUDREUIL-DORION – Sophie Parmentier doesn’t work right now, and struggles to care for her three kids.

With a fourth one on the way, getting food on the table isn’t easy.

Two years ago, Pastor David Charles and his wife Doris started the Dream Center in the church basement, helping families in need.

“To me, it was a surprise because I thought that kind of work would not be necessary in a suburban are,” said Pastor Charles.

“Then we found out there are people right here in this community who need help.”

“What they have offered my son and I is beyond words and I will never forget it,” said Julie Velo, who has used the services at the center for a few years now.

It’s a family operation.

Doris helps run the center and volunteers keep it going.

The Dream Center offers all kinds of help to families, including stocking school supplies and running summer camps, but its main focus is handing out food baskets to about 100 families a month, relying on donations to fill them.

“People are going through loneliness and they need to be valued and respected,” said Doris Charles.

“We listen to their life stories. They are very happy someone is caring for them and it makes a real difference to their lives.”

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The organization helps families throughout the year, but those needs change slightly around the holiday season.

“Let’s face it, everyone wants to have something for Christmas that is a little extra special,” said food bank manager Pete Vasiliev.

“Here we try to do our best with a nice basket.”

The center has seen what a difference it can make.

“As the kids came into the Dream Center you could see the sadness and insecurity,” said Pastor Charles.

“But as soon as they saw the food and the baskets and what we were giving them, they just left smiling and to us that makes a huge difference to see life change and people encouraged.”

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For Parmentier, the center has become her family.

“I would not be able to give so much to my kids, you know, so everything helps. Everything,” she told Global News.

“I am trying not to cry. They are just amazing people they are friendly. It’s very welcoming very warm. I love all of them.”