Dear readers,
Housing costs and homelessness echoed loudly among voters' primary concerns in our recent mayoral race. Montrealers made clear they are struggling to find affordable places to live, pay rent, buy homes and keep a roof over their heads.
Gazette columnist Allison Hanes said it best in a recent piece about our new administration's priorities: Housing affordability is "a major preoccupation of Montrealers of all socioeconomic backgrounds who are struggling to make ends meet ... but getting shovels in the ground and condo buildings rising on the skyline simply won’t happen overnight." And as she noted, "winter is around the corner."
As we turn the page on another election season and usher in our new mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, we reflect on what kind of city we want Montreal to be. Let's remember that change doesn't start with policy, but with compassion.
The Gazette Christmas Fund has, for decades, helped thousands of people across the city who are facing hard times. Your donations provide direct assistance — grocery vouchers, warm meals, and a bit of comfort during a season that can feel especially cold for some.
We're honoured to have initiatives like CJAD host Aaron Rand's T-shirt campaign to help raise awareness and give donors a thank-you gift for their contribution. This year's T-shirt design is a tribute to Montreal's second-most recognized election issue: orange traffic cones. You'll find details on the campaign at themontrealshirt.com. The initiative raised over $10,000 this year.
Last year, the Gazette Christmas Fund brought in over $844,000. We distributed 6,370 cheques to Montrealers in need through the help of partner agencies. With your continued support, we can once again make a real difference this holiday season.
Stories about the people we helped will be published in the Saturday edition of the paper starting next week and will be available online. Our donation page will also be accessible through montrealgazette.com.
Join us in making a difference,
Lenie Lucci, Editor-in-chief
