Your favourite and well-loved Italian-Canadian businesses have joined us to support The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, and in celebration of La Befana, the old woman from Italian folk tradition and legend who delivers gifts to children every January. C.I.A.O. is all about mutual aid and collaboration, so we wanted our first initiative to bring together many different italo-canadesi, through their creative pursuits and businesses, to make something special.

Delivery of prizes can be arranged in the Montreal area. All other shipping fees would be at the winner’s cost. If you would like to donate a prize to the raffle, it’s not too late! We are accepting additional prizes until January 4, 2021.

The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal provides shelter and support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women and their children and a safe environment where they can begin to rebuild their lives.​

As services for unhoused folks have been affected by the pandemic, and in light of actions to dismantle the camps they have set across the city, we need to show up for them and for all those organizing and working in solidarity. The community served by the Native Women’s Shetler of Montreal is exclusively Indigenous, and as settlers on unceded land, we have to actively engage in [un]learning so much of the history and circumstances that have brought us here. A fundraiser will not fix this. But we have to keep coming together and we are grateful to all those who have generously donated a prize despite the difficulties many small and local businesses have faced in 2020.

La Befana represents giving, community, and magic. Because of her deep history in our Italian-Canadian heritage and culture, we have decided to end our fundraiser on January 6th, l’Epifania, the day after la Befana travels the world bringing sweets and fresh fruits (or coal) to children. We will get together virtually on Instagram live [on befanamtl] at 7 pm EST for a live draw.

Purchase your tickets here. All proceeds will go to the Native Women’s Shelter. Check out our full list of donors.

Join us in celebrating the ancient tradition of la Befana, with roots in Roman pagan practices, while giving back to our community and speaking out against injustice.​

Fundraising goal: $1500​