On Tuesday, December 3, the 2nd “Paniers du Partage” (Sharing Baskets) evening took place, an initiative whose aim is to provide families in Vaudreuil-Soulanges with a tasty holiday meal. The event was intended to hand out 150 baskets, but in the end 192 baskets filled with non-perishable items will be redistributed to families in need by the beneficiary organizations. 

Earlier this week, Néomédia spoke with Wilson Ramcharan of the Groupe ImmoSolutions real estate team with the Keller Williams Prestige real estate banner, who initiated this social initiative last year. 

The idea was born within Mr. Ramcharan's team after he became aware of similar initiatives launched by brokers in the United States. There, some of these events have taken on extraordinary proportions over the years. 

“In recent years, we've seen that COVID-19 has brought its share of additional hardship for many families in our community, and we wanted to do our part to help. So we were inspired by what's being done over there to help families here. That's how the Paniers du Partage project came about,” he recounts.  

Building on the success of the first edition, which saw 120 baskets handed out, preparations for the 2nd edition got underway a few months ago. Since then, the goal has been to collect 150 baskets for a clientele served by eight organizations, three of which are located in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. In the end, 192 baskets were collected and donated to La Passerelle (14), L'Aiguillage (20) and Edgewater Elementary School (12). Cégep John-Abbott, which also welcomes Vaudreuil-Soulanges residents among its students, received 60 baskets from this initiative. The remaining 86 baskets were donated to West Island organizations. 

Following the evening's event, the recipient organizations will redistribute the baskets to their members, spreading cheer as the holiday season approaches. “We wanted to give back to local families because some of our team members live in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. So it was a no-brainer for us when it came to choosing which organizations would benefit,” he says.  

A minimum value of $60  

In concrete terms, each basket had a minimum value of $60 and contained everything needed to prepare a holiday meal. A $25 grocery store gift card was also included in each basket. Some donors upgraded their donations and placed additional items in their baskets, reaching a value of between $100 and $125. 

“Just like last year, the presentation evening, held at the Souffle de vie vineyard in Senneville, was interspersed with testimonials from representatives of the organizations receiving the baskets. They were able to express the real challenges they face on a daily basis and how the baskets are changing the lives of their customers. It was magical, and many shed tears. Around 90 people attended, many of them families with children who got together to make one or more baskets. It was great to see them with us, because they're our next generation and it's important to make them aware of the need to give back to the next generation, if we can. It's great that they're learning to give and to do good for those in need,” he adds.   

” People at the event told us they hadn't realized how much this gesture would improve the lives of the families who would receive the baskets. They realized the importance of this project, and many confided in us that they realized how important it is to get involved, to do something to help by making the baskets”. Of the 192 baskets handed out, 87 were made by Wilson Ramcharan and his team with monetary donations received from participants. “I believe this number will decrease as the project grows”.

Thanks to financial partners, the project organizers were able to provide free food and a variety of beverages to those attending the giveaway evening. “The wine, of course, came from our host, while the catered food and dessert were prepared by a L'Île-Perrot caterer and Krema et Co. Gelato et Gâteries of Vaudreuil-Dorion. Their generosity enabled us to welcome our guests and ensure the success of the project, since all the money raised through this initiative was reinvested 100% in the baskets,” he confides.   

Finally, Mr. Ramcharan explains that his favorite moment of the evening was, without a doubt, when the 90 people present at the presentation created a human chain to help load the baskets into the cars of the people in charge of the beneficiary organizations. 

 “It was pure mutual aid and solidarity. The project requires a lot of effort in terms of organization, but it's well worth it when you hear beautiful testimonials and witness beautiful scenes like this one. I hope it will live on for a long time,” he concludes.