The customers turn around as he walks by. Many people tell her to watch people like her on TV. The 27-year-old young woman laughs, remains calm and even advises you on certain purchases.
Le Quotidien was able to witness Amélie’s first commitment to this annual donation, which is usually worth several thousand dollars. The young woman allowed the newspaper to accompany her on her first shopping trip of the year to the Walmart in Alma on a quiet afternoon.
Amélie knows her stuff. She is prepared. The vouchers that she found on the Internet, in stores or through direct letters from companies have already been carefully sorted into three folders. She also knows the aisles and discounted products to look for.
This publication is the first in a long series. By the end of the year, Amélie will purchase thousands of dollars worth of products, with approximately 90% of the price covered by coupons.
“This is the sixth time I have prepared to donate. Last year I donated $24,000 worth of products and ended up paying maybe around $2,000 or $3,000. In previous years it was $23,000, $17,000, $13,000…”
— Amélie Grégoire, voucher giver
Amélie goes through all the rows. Everything goes in there. Whether it’s pet food, beauty products, baby products, cleaning supplies, toys, groceries… She’ll take anything as long as there’s a discount and there’s room to store it. All this will have to stay with her for a few months.
The idea for these donations came naturally to someone who has been cutting for a long time. “Since I’ve been using coupons for ten years, I had a lot of supplies. I started with small donations for five years and eventually gave larger ones. I got up one morning and wanted to do this,” admits Amélie as she walks through the rows.
It was the couponing shows on television that inspired her. To prove to her sister that it wasn’t possible, she got involved in the game. Vouchers even helped her in difficult times, even if the donation now comes with a somewhat gloomy “after” after all the months of preparation.
Amélie may not cut as much as she used to, but she’s getting used to it again each year in view of her donation. She, who works as a supermarket clerk, can spend between 20 and 30 hours a week searching for coupons, tracking discounts and shopping as the big day approaches.
The most complex part of this frugal hobby? Find ways to do this. That’s why Amélie created a Facebook page this year so people could encourage her. With around forty sponsors, raffles can be held and other products of all kinds can be purchased with the proceeds from the tickets.
As he approaches the cash register, customers stop him. Her basket, her school bags and the camera aimed at her attract attention. And above all, they want to know: How much will his famous bill end up being?
Over time, the employees recognize Amélie. It’s rare for a coupon giver to be as relentless as she is, as she sometimes has so many coupons that stores have to give her the money back, even if she leaves with two baskets full of products!
With a little patience, Amélie finds out that she only has to pay… $15 for $396.96 worth of products. A good day, but also the first of a long series that will last until the end of December, when she will officially transfer her donation to Moisson Saguenay.
The young woman is thrilled. She cannot always predict the exact invoice amount. She also thought it would cost her a lot more that day. So she is relieved. A good grocery store to start this whole process, which ultimately does him good.
“It’s a feeling that is truly indescribable. For me it is something that makes me feel good. I know that it helps a lot of people and that it makes the holiday season a little brighter for those who are somewhat disadvantaged. It really makes me feel comfortable,” she says.