The KoolTech Mechanical BIG-FM Guignolée

There was a time when the first Saturday in December meant one thing for families across Rockland: La Guignolée.

Children would watch from the window for volunteers dressed in Christmas gear. Families would put aside a few extra cans every time they went grocery shopping. Neighbours would open their doors, share what they could and, for one special day, an entire community came together to help those who needed it most.

Then, in 2019, the tradition came to an end. This December, it’s coming back.

On Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kooltech Mechanical and 92.5 BIG-FM are bringing La Guignolée back to Rockland with the —a community-wide effort to collect non-perishable food and monetary donations for the Clarence-Rockland Help Centre.

Volunteers from Kooltech Mechanical, along with employees and supporters from other local businesses and trades, will be out in the community, going door-to-door throughout Rockland and asking residents to give whatever they can.

The Clarence-Rockland Help Centre currently has approximately 400 active household files and provides food assistance to about 1,000 people every month—including approximately 400 children.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of people relying on the Help Centre has increased by 110%.

Residents who are not home, or who may be out doing their holiday shopping, can also drop off donations directly at Clarence-Rockland Help Centre, 2815 Chamberland Street, Rockland.

BIG-FM will be broadcasting live from the event, encouraging residents to take part and helping keep the community connected throughout the morning.