The warehouse of Accès-Loisirs Québec is brimming with various items like hockey jerseys, skis, tennis rackets, sleeping bags, soccer cleats, and guitars. Situated in Quebec City’s Charlesbourg neighborhood, residents frequent the center to explore new hobbies. Pauline Tanguay, the general manager of the non-profit organization, expresses her love for her job and the mission of promoting sports and culture accessibility.
Accès-Loisirs was established in Quebec City 25 years ago to combat social isolation by providing equipment for sports and cultural activities. Every three months, residents from low-income households can visit the center with proof of income to receive free equipment such as musical instruments, board games, and loaned items. Additionally, tickets for local cultural events like concerts and plays are often distributed at the center.
Chloé Garneau-Dupuis, a regular visitor to the warehouse for over five years, shares how the service helped her enjoy a skating weekend with her daughters. The retired doctor, Yves Johnson, volunteers to clean and refurbish donated equipment, emphasizing the importance of providing quality items to those in need.
As the cost of living continues to rise, Tanguay notes an increasing demand for their services from individuals struggling to access sports and activities. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the community’s generosity in donating equipment. The organization has distributed around 120,000 pieces of equipment annually and has inspired other regions to implement similar programs.
Tanguay hopes for a future where initiatives like Accès-Loisirs are no longer necessary, acknowledging the ongoing need to support individuals facing financial hardships. The organization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports and culture remains unwavering as they strive to make a difference in the community.