Montreal cools down quickly in November, and soon the city’s streets will be hostile. This is the time of year when electricity and gas bills rise, shoes need replacing and running from one end of the city to the other to work becomes increasingly difficult in the cold and wet snow.
Monthly use of food counters in Quebec reaches almost one million people every month, and has increased by 48.9% since 2022. More than one household in five receiving food aid has a job as its main source of income, and 35% of those helped are children. (according to HungerCount 2025)
During the holiday season, as the nights grow longer and colder, the community tightens and Montrealers practice generosity and gratitude. It’s at times like these that we share, pull together and help each other out.
In that spirit, we’ll be sharing with Montrealers in need and giving at this year’s Guignolée des Médias, starting November 21.
La Guignolée des Médias – 25 years this year
Since 2001, food collection efforts in Quebec have been centralized every year during the holiday season by La Guignolée des Médias.
In 2001, 16 media outlets joined forces to collect funds and foodstuffs for Montreal-area food funds. Since then, the initiative has grown every year, and today brings together some 100 media outlets and partners across Quebec. Last year, in 2024, the Media Food Drive raised $5.1 million.
Giving to the Guignolée
This year’s Guignolée des Médias will run from November 21 to December 31, 2025, and a major street collection will take place on December 4.
Food
Foodstuffs will be collected at collection points across Quebec at Provigo and Maxi supermarkets and Nissan dealerships. Afterwards, the food will be redistributed to local food banks.
We donate:
- canned goods and unbreakable containers – meats, fish, fruit, legumes, oils, infant formula, baby food, soups and prepared meals, jams, peanut butter, etc.
- dry products – cereals, rice, couscous, flours and pasta
- snacks – dried fruit, nuts, cookies
- personal hygiene products – Soaps, toothpaste, shampoos, deodorants, paper towels, tampons,
disposable diapers for children and adults, tissues, toilet paper - household items – detergent, laundry soap, fabric softener, etc.
- beverages – coffee, tea, herbal tea, juice
*Avoid perishables and breakable containers.
Cash donations
To donate money online, click here! A tax receipt will be sent to you after your donation.
And to donate $10 now, text NOEL to 20222 to participate!
Season’s greetings,