We are fast approaching the Holidays—a time of year replete with family reunions, freshly fallen snow and, of course, shopping! Would you like to make your gift-giving experience even better this year by purchasing unique gifts and supporting local craftspeople at the same time? Then the Boutique Uniquement Vôtre is the right place to start!

Located at the Wellington Centre at 4932 Wellington Street, this gift shop sells handmade crafts made by participants in the Interagir program, a pre-employment initiative that helps people suffering from mental health disorders who need to develop or maintain working skills. This program is also designed for patients recovering from severe mental health disorders and who are not immediately ready to enter the work force. The program works with about thirty clients, who come from the Douglas, the McGill network and other resources. The participants learn techniques and skills in fields such as cabinet making, ceramics, office work, etc.

A wide range of products are sold at the gift shop: piggybanks, chairs, paintings, earthenware, wall shelving, bathroom products, to name just a few. All items are first approved by a committee to ensure their quality and overall look. The boutique is a great place to shop for everyone on your list, as these products are made locally with craft-shop quality and sold at competitive prices!

The small profit on sales is used to fund activities at the Wellington Centre or to purchase tools and equipment for the workshop. The gift shop is open Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.