The Maison Interlude House (MIH) launched a Christmas fundraiser during a press conference held at Les Serres M.Quenneville on Monday September 13. 

Established in 1983, MIH has provided support to “women victims of domestic violence and their children” in the region of Prescott-Russell for almost 40 years. 

Currently providing shelter for 90 women and children, MIH has become a multi-services organization, helping women and children with more than just a safe roof over their heads. 

One of the services is providing ‘Santa’s Treasures’, giving those who receive MIH services a chance to “shop for free Christmas gifts for their children”. 

Unveiled on Monday morning, MIH Executive Director, Muriel Lalonde, has called for the “community to get on board” with the project, asking people to act as “ambassadors”.

“A teacher who offers her colleagues to take all the orders for the entire school. A real estate broker who convinced other brokers in the office to give poinsettias to their clients as well. This kind of initiative would be fantastic,” she said.

The money raised by the sale of poinsettias (the classic Christmas flower) through the organization’s website, isn’t the only way you can contribute with MIH accepting donations of cash and toys. 

Attended by councilors from both Clarence-Rockland and The Nation, as well as Liberal Party candidate Mr. Francis Drouin, the work done by Maison Interlude House was praised, although the unfortunate need for it was also acknowledged. “In an ideal world we wouldn’t need them (the services),” Mr. Drouin said. “Unfortunately violence against women is a reality in our community, and I know that during COVID it was tough to offer proper services.”

With a pandemic induced reduction of staff, the team at MIH launched a new, secure online platform for victims of domestic violence which saw an “increased number of people” contact the organization, Ms Lalonde explained.

To find out more information regarding MIH’s fundraising campaign and services visit: www.minterludeh.ca