To welcome new Montreal babies and strengthen families' sense of belonging to their city, the Ville de Montréal unveils the Welcome Baby box. As of January 1, 2024, the welcome kit, made up of useful, sustainable, fun and local items, will be offered to all Montreal babies aged 0-12 months in all 45 of the city's libraries.
This 100% City of Montreal initiative, developed in collaboration with several of the city's administrative units, is a first for any city in Quebec. This gesture is universal in scope, as the Welcome Baby box will be offered to all new Montreal babies, including all births, adoptions and new arrivals.
The Welcome Baby box will contain useful and educational items costing a total of $200. What's more, the items offered will be ecological, safe, non-genetic and from local suppliers. The boxes will be distributed in libraries, a meeting place for all Montrealers. It will contain the following twelve items:
- Evolving pants made by Mains Utiles
- A pool diaper made by Lya couches lavables
- A comforter made by Veille sur toi
- A fleece picnic blanket made by Petites-Mains
- A bath towel made by Petites-Mains
- A hand puppet made by Ouistitine
- A silicone bib made by Boutique Le Méchant Loup / MINIKA
- A toothbrush made by Ola Bamboo
- A rattle made by Raplapla
- A therapeutic bag made by Béké-Bobo
- A magnet referring to essential resources
- A complimentary ticket valid for 2 adults to a Space for Life museum (children under 4 get in free).
"With the Welcome Baby Box, we want to simplify the daily lives and wallets of Montreal families, promote greater equality of opportunity, and strengthen toddlers' sense of belonging. With quality local services, parks and a safe mobility network, Montreal is a city of choice for families. We're proud to roll out this initiative, a first in Quebec, which adds to the many excellent reasons to choose Montreal as the place to start a family," said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.
"In addition to being a symbol of Montreal pride, this box will give thousands of children and families an easier start in life, contributing to quality of life and equal opportunity. The Welcome Baby Box is one more helping hand in our strong vision to improve all aspects of the quality of life for families in Montreal, like the STM's free service for children and our school safety program, which has made it possible for over 40,000 students to travel safely," added Despina Sourias, associate councillor for women, diversity, youth and seniors on the executive committee.
More infos at the following link: https://montreal.ca/en/program...
