MUHC foundation spreads holiday cheer to families

The MUHC Foundation is helping families facing financial hardship this holiday season through donations and community support.

The MUHC Foundation is helping families who are facing financial hardship this holiday season.

For Eva Karras, the idea to help came from her daughter, Maria.

“One day we were driving, and she asked me, ‘Mommy, I want to help the kids in need for the holidays. How can we do that?’”

Karras says she turned to social media, where friends, family and strangers stepped up to help.

The donations, which include toys, food, gift cards and diapers, will go to children of patients who otherwise cannot afford many extras this holiday season.

“They find themselves in a difficult financial situation, either because they have to stop working for a little bit to get treatment, or they have to make difficult choices between medication, food and gifts,” said Marie-Helene Laramee, president and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

Over the past two decades, the foundation has supported vulnerable families, but with rising costs, the need is growing.

The foundation also partnered with Feed Montreal and raised $100,000 so far, with hopes of collecting more.

“It gives them the chance to get back on their feet,” said social services manager Aviva Tenenbaum.

With Christmas three days away, Karras says she is looking forward to celebrating with her family. She says giving back matters now more than ever.

“It’s important to just put a little joy during the holidays and help them anyway we can,” said Karras.