West Island Assistance Fund
Registered Name: Fonds d'aide de l'Ouest-de-l'Île / West Island Assistance Fund
Business No: 107609281RR0001
This organization is designated by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a registered charity. They comply with the CRA's requirements and have been issued a charitable registration number.
This charity is fully set up with CanadaHelps, allowing for faster donation processing and access to more features
THE WEST ISLAND ASSISTANCE FUND: AN ORGANIZATION THAT ACTS ON YOUR BEHALF…
Since 1966, the West Island Assistance Fund has been a lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families in our community. What began as an emergency aid initiative has grown into one of the region’s most trusted community service organizations, focused on food security, dignity, and practical support.
What We Do
Food Security
Our food bank provides weekly food baskets and emergency assistance to thousands of residents each year. Our community thrift store reinforces this work by offering quality items at low cost, with all revenues reinvested directly into our programs.
Basic Needs Support
We offer free or affordable clothing and essential household items to help families rebuild stability and independence.
Community Programs
- Annual free income tax clinics for low-income residents
- A community kitchen program teaching practical cooking and budgeting skills
- The Garden Of Hope collective garden, which grows fresh produce and provides free educational activities for nearby summer day camps serving underprivileged children
- School supply distribution to support children from struggling families
- Holiday toy and food baskets programs for individuals and families in need
- “We Got Your Back” offering basic essentials and comfort kits to people experiencing homelessness
- Ensemble Vers Demain, a support group for recently arrived immigrant women—many of them single mothers—helping them build networks and access resources
The WIAF advocates and takes an active role in the fight to reduce food insecurity. We recognize that long-term food security begins with better access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for those in need. We advocate for policies, partnerships, and community action that address the root causes of poverty and strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable families across the West Island.
Our Impact
Nearly sixty years after our founding, the West Island Assistance Fund now distributes close to $2 million in goods and services each year, as assistance requests have more than doubled since the beginning of the pandemic. Rooted in compassion and community, we remain a vital safety net and a pillar of solidarity for those who need it most.
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