Children's Food Drive with Dr. Bureau: For a Better Future

Mélissa Gélinas

The Gatineau Social Pediatrics Centre has launched its 17th annual Children's Food Drive with Dr. Bureau to further its mission: providing Gatineau children with the care and services they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Presented by Desjardins, the campaign runs from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, with a fundraising goal of $240,000.

According to Jihane Rizkallah, Communications Officer at the Gatineau Social Pediatrics Centre (CPSG), this fundraising target reflects the growing needs in the region. Indeed, the number of children living in vulnerable situations continues to rise each year. “In 2024, we supported over 1,100 children, and that number continues to grow,” she explained. “Our teams intervene in complex situations that require specialized resources, time, and long-term follow-up.”

With $240,000, the CPSG will be able to:

• Offer comprehensive pediatric and psychosocial support to approximately 160 children

• Maintain art therapy and parenting support programs

• Strengthen services that prevent distress and exclusion in children

“The Children’s Food Drive with Dr. Bureau is therefore much more than a fundraising campaign; it’s a call for solidarity so that every child, regardless of their situation, can grow up with dignity, security, and love,” Rizkallah emphasized. According to her, the generosity of Gatineau residents is always there. For her, community support is vital not only during the annual food drive, but throughout the year. Although this initiative is the largest annual fundraiser, it cannot meet all the needs on its own. "Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference," she said.

More specifically, a $20 donation covers the purchase of materials needed for a child's annual check-up, $100 covers the essentials for a baby, $200 covers the purchase of instruments for the Music Box program, and $500 covers a full year of art therapy. The very first annual food drive for the Gatineau Social Pediatrics Centre took place in December 2009. This initiative was inspired by the Dr. Julien Foundation, established in 2007 to ensure the sustainability of social pediatrics in two underprivileged neighbourhoods of Montreal. A pediatrician for over 50 years, Dr. Gilles Julien has always been deeply committed to children's well-being. In particular, he implemented the community-based social pediatrics model, which has since become known nationally and internationally.

Those wishing to donate to the Children's Food Drive can do so directly on the CPSG website: www.pediatriesocialegatineau.com or visit the Centre du Vieux Gatineau, located at 321 Notre-Dame Street, or the Centre du Vieux-Hull, located at 39 Frontenac Street. Please note that only cash and cheques will be accepted.