The week. Solidarity Week (Semaine de la solidarité, in French) runs across Quebec from October 11 to 17, 2026. Created in 2010 and coordinated by the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity, it ends on October 17, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Its goal: encourage people to help each other and raise awareness of what people living in poverty or exclusion go through.
What you can do. The government suggests several ways to act, big or small: donate food, volunteer, visit someone who lives alone to break their isolation, or start an initiative in your neighbourhood. The campaign's message is simple: the most important gesture is the one you actually make.
A few events. The official Solidarity Week page (in French) lists, among others, the Nuit des sans-abri (homelessness awareness night) on October 16 in all 17 administrative regions of Quebec, Opération Coup de cœur the same day in Saint-Adrien and Saint-Camille, in the Eastern Townships, and a seniors' fair in Drummondville on October 17 and 18.
All year round. Helping out doesn't stop after October 17. Food assistance, meals on wheels, friendly visits, snow-clearing help, community fridges, Christmas baskets: these activities exist in every region. To find one near you, ask the community organizations and the volunteer centre (centre d'action bénévole) in your area.
Good to know. Volunteering is also a good way to meet people, practise your French and gain a first experience in Quebec. Our guide to volunteering in Quebec explains how to get started, and the one on food banks shows how food assistance works, whether you want to give or receive.
