From toy drives to pediatric psychiatry: Sherbrooke firefighters expand their support for children

For over 85 years, Sherbrooke firefighters have been bringing comfort to children going through difficult times. Through their toy drive and numerous fundraising activities, they have brought thousands of smiles to children across generations. Today, this commitment continues and expands with a new project: helping to humanize the child psychiatry spaces at the CHUS, thanks to a new philanthropic agreement with the CHUS Foundation.

Philanthropy at the heart of the firefighter culture

For Sherbrooke firefighters, philanthropy is nothing new. Deeply rooted in their organizational culture, it has been passed down from generation to generation for more than eight decades. The first toy drive began in 1940, following a major fire that devastated an apartment building in Sherbrooke, leaving several families without resources. Moved by the distress of the affected children, firefighter Léopold Lessard had the idea to recycle toys to redistribute them to families in need during the holiday season. His colleagues quickly joined in this outpouring of generosity.  

Since then, the toy drive has become a true institution in Sherbrooke. Over the years, the initiative has expanded its reach to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Today, no fewer than 1,200 children receive a box of gifts every year. However, needs are evolving, causing the number of requests to rise. The families seeking help increasingly defy the stereotypes sometimes associated with poverty.  

Firefighter David Leblanc, who served on the toy drive committee for a long time before passing the torch to the next generation, remembers delivering boxes of toys to a family living in a beautiful house, to the point where he wondered why they had requested help. "When we walked in, we discovered the house was completely empty. Both parents had just lost their jobs and had sold all their belongings to keep their home. That Christmas, the boxes of toys gave them a real boost to get back on their feet."

If the toy drive has lasted so long, it is thanks to the dedication of Sherbrooke firefighters. Many volunteer their time throughout the year. Whether it's organizing fundraising activities, mobilizing volunteers and partners, preparing toy boxes, or distributing them, everyone contributes in their own way. "In our regular duties, we often meet people on their worst days, so our activities allow us to connect with them in a more joyful context," notes Antoine Gagnon.  

For young firefighters starting their careers, volunteering is also an opportunity to integrate into the team and perpetuate a well-established tradition. "When you join the fire department, you naturally look for a way to get involved, help others, and give back to the community," explains Marc-Antoine Milo. This spirit of mutual aid resonates with many committee members. "Seeing children happy to receive toys and parents crying with joy is very touching. It makes you want to get involved and give back to those less fortunate," adds Anthony Lessard.  

Humanizing child psychiatry: a new collaboration with the CHUS Foundation

The Relais du Mont-Bellevue, the beer kiosk at the Fête du Lac des Nations, the hot dog sale at Club Piscine, the wine fair; the activities organized by Sherbrooke firefighters are a resounding success. As for partnerships, they have multiplied over the years, first allowing for the enhancement of the gift boxes intended for children.  

"We worked very hard to find partners and collaborations all over Quebec. Being able to count on such generous partners allows us to meet more needs, buy more toys (each box costs about $55, but its value exceeds $100), and for the very first time, conclude a philanthropic agreement with the CHUS Foundation," explains committee president Maxime Bolduc, who himself approached the Foundation with the goal of supporting a new project affecting youth.

Thanks to the generous contribution of the Sherbrooke firefighters, the child psychiatry team will be able to improve certain areas of the unit located in the new Pavillon Enfant Soleil, notably the family waiting room and the Snoezelen room, as well as acquire equipment that promotes the well-being and development of young people. Furniture, a foosball table, video games, virtual reality headsets, books, and musical instruments will help create a warmer and more stimulating environment.

Beyond the equipment, the project aims to offer young people opportunities to express themselves and find a little lightness in a context often marked by psychological distress. These improvements will help create spaces that are more welcoming and better adapted to their needs, while supporting the clinical teams' work with young people and their families.

"Child psychiatry is a cause that is still little known, but it affects young people who are going through very difficult trials. We were sensitive to this reality because our mission is to help children and bring a little light into their lives. Supporting this project represents a new dimension of our commitment, but it is just as important," continues Maxime.

Once again, the Sherbrooke firefighters are doing everything they can to bring a little comfort and put smiles on the faces of children who need it most.

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