The Christmas Index

From the end of October to mid-December, the Christmas Index works with community organizations in the Greater Montreal area which distribute Christmas baskets, cheques, or food vouchers to those in need. By running the addresses and names you send us through a computerized database, the Index verifies your registration lists, and advises you of any duplicate requests, which allows you to decide whom to provide with baskets and ensures that a larger number of households benefit.

Please note that participating organizations are requested to make a donation to the Index to cover administrative costs. For many years now we have suggested a minimum donation of $25 from each group, or, from groups submitting more than 250 names, a contribution of 10¢ per name. Your support is greatly appreciated as these contributions help us cover the operating costs of the Index.

 

 

In order to make the service as easy as possible to use for all involved and allow us all to help as many people as possible each holiday season, please follow the following steps:

1. Click here to download and read "Using_the_Index."

2. Click here to save the Excel file "familles_excel_courriel_email," if you intend to send in registration lists by email

3. Click here to save, print, and photocopy the Excel file "fax_registration_form_English" to send registrations by fax, mail, or to deliver in person.  As lists are treated in the order in which we receive them, an extremely long list which has to be entered by hand may slow down service for all clients. If you can use the automated service, please do so. If not, please notify us 48 hours in advance if you will be sending in such a list, so we can find volunteers to help enter your data.

4. Take a look at the samples provided to make sure you've done things correctly: the Excel file "sample_familles_excel_courriel_email" for email registrations or the image file "fax_registration_sample" for hardcopy registrations.

5. As of the first week of November, send in your lists! Please note that due to volume, we cannot confirm reception of each list you send in, but if you haven't heard back within 48 hours, please contact us.  It really helps if you can include your name, your organization's name, and contact information in every email/fax.

 

For each list you send us, we send you back a report.  Please click here for more information about these reports.

You are free to give a basket to a "rejected" address or name - we are simply telling you that another organization already claimed that address/name and will be supplying it with a basket. In other words, that address/name would then receive 2 baskets. In the case of extenuating circumstances such as the case of a family with twelve children or a family left homeless due to a fire, for instance, several organizations might choose to offer help to the same family.

The Index is a Montreal tradition dating back to 1919, managed by the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal since 1969. About 200 organizations in the Greater Montreal area make use of the service, submitting an average of 40 000 names annually.

Please note that the Index is a service for community organizations. Individuals wanting the names of organizations which distribute Christmas baskets are requested to call the Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montreal at 514-527-1375.

To contact the Index, call 514-842-3351 or email by clicking here - please remember that we are only open from the end of October to mid-December.