It's not just on the picket lines that so-so-so-solidarity is being heard, but also behind the scenes of the strike currently affecting the Fédération autonome de l'enseignement. This Saturday, December 23, members of this union body affiliated to the CCS des Trois-Lacs will benefit from a great initiative, just in time for the holiday season.

Teachers at the CSS des Trois-Lacs, who are members of the FAE, have been on an unlimited general strike since November 23, almost a month ago.

"Since that day, many teachers have found themselves in a difficult financial situation, with no income coming into the bank account. As the holiday season approaches, many are struggling to make ends meet. In solidarity with teachers across Quebec, a support group called Entraide pour les profs en grève has been set up on social networks.This group, which handles requests from all over the province, has proposed that, given the scale of the demand, volunteers in each region organize a day to collect donations and redistribute them to teachers. We're a small group from the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region who decided to take on this challenge," says Magali Legault, co-organizer of the local event, on the other end of the phone. Ms. Legault is supported by co-organizer Charles Villemaire and some 20 volunteers.

Collection and distribution on Saturday

Over the past week, volunteers have been canvassing corporate donors, by e-mail or in person, to collect donations in the form of gift cards or non-perishable foodstuffs.To date, $5,000 has been collected from big-box stores, pharmacies, restaurants, orchards, farms and grocery stores.Businesses that contribute to the cause will receive visibility on Facebook.A list of donors, by school service center, will be published on the event's support group.Donations will also be accepted from the general public.

"Citizens interested in donating gift cards or non-perishable food items can bring them to us on Saturday, December 23, between 10 a.m. and noon at 520 B, Suite 110, Avenue St-Charles in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Donations will be accepted in the form of gift cards, foodstuffs, hygiene products, gas cards, children's books, clothing and gifts for children and teens. Then, in the afternoon, teachers who are members of FEF will be able to pick up food and gift cards from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. upon presentation of proof of FEF membership," she explains.

What will the teachers leave with? "It's hard to say because it depends on their family situation.The items handed out will vary for single teachers, couples without children, or couples with one, two, three or more children.To ensure the greatest possible discretion, few volunteers will be present at the pick-up location.We understand that it can be difficult for some people to ask for help, even if the situation is temporary.People wishing to make a monetary donation can also do so via an interac transfer."Send the money to [email protected], specifying in the recipient's message the city from which the donation is coming.For example: Vaudreuil-Dorion. That way, it will be redirected to us," she informs us.

Teachers wishing to participate will just need to show up on site during this time slot. No pre-registration is required. 

In all, the organizing committee headed by Ms. Legault and Mr. Villemaire hopes to help between 40 and 50 high school teachers through this social initiative. "The support of companies and individuals will enable us to offer a little ray of sunshine to the teachers who are on the streets right now to obtain better working conditions, and therefore better learning conditions, for all Quebec children.  THANK YOU," she concludes, before returning to sorting the goods received.