Some 18 seniors from three CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal CHSLDs took part in the second edition of the charitable food challenge La Grande Marmite, held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on May 5, 2026. And they made a remarkable contribution, assembling 1200 ready-to-cook soup packets in just 75 minutes!
Over 1000 participants, including numrous celebrities, joined in this challenge organized by La Tablée des Chefs, and hosted by Ricardo Larrivée. The goal was to assemble 84 000 soup packets to be distributed in food banks across Québec to help people facing food insecurity. On site, teams of 6 people had 75 minutes to assemble as many soup packets as they could. The registration fee of $1 800 per team, along with donations received, will go to support the Soupes solidaires program.
For our residents, taking part in such an event was much more than just a cooking activity. It was an opportunity to actively contribute to the community, and to feel useful despite the limitations imposed by their motor skills. Their participation shows that one can continue to make a positive contribution to society no matter one’s age or limitations.
Thank you to Rinda Hartner, Michel Meyer, and Isabelle Labrie, site managers at the three CHSLDs that took part in the event, and to the staff on site for their leadership. Thank you also to the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal Users’ Committee for covering the registration fee. And lastly, BRAVO to the whole group for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of people at risk!
Photo 1: Enthusiastic participants from the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre en route to the Palais des congrès de Montréal!
Photo 2: Ricardo Larrivée, spokesperson for La Tablée des Chefs, was happy to pose with the participants from Ste. Anne’s Hospital.
Photo 3: Representatives from the Centre d’hébergement de Lachine community also had a visit from Ricardo Larrivée before they started assembling soup packets.
Photo 4: Ms. Suzanne Tait, a resident at the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre, had a beaming smile when she was photographed alongside Ricardo Larrivée.
Photo 5: Rinda Hartner, Michel Meyer, and Isabelle Labrie, site managers of the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre, the Centre d’hébergement de Lachine, and Ste. Anne’s Hospital respectively, had their teams in good spirits!
Photo 6: Couple Josée Boudreault and Louis-Philippe Rivard were pleased to pose with representatives of the Grace Dart Extended Care Centre!
Photo 7: The entire CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal delegation proudly wore aprons sponsored by the Residents’ Committee of Ste. Anne’s Hospital.