A group of volunteers have banded together to spread some holiday cheer by making sure the children in Attawapiskat have presents to open on Christmas day.
Members of the Friends of Attawapiskat announced Saturday that they are holding a toy and donations fundraiser to help the struggling First Nation community. The group called on Thunder Bay residents to donate new toys and other items such as snowsuits, coats, mitts and hats in order to give the children in the community a happy holiday.
Attawapiskat made national headlines when the community of about 1,800 announced a state of emergency nearly a month ago. Since then, the federal government has placed the Northern Ontario community under third-party management and ordered an audit to find out how roughly $90 million in funding over five years was spent.
Joyce Hunter, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, said she was moved by what she saw in the media and wanted to help. Hunter, from Peawanuck First Nation, said when her community was flooded, it was their neighbours in Attawapiskat that helped them through that tough time.
Now seeing them in trouble, it was time to repay the favour, she said.
“I really want to be able to give those children a reason to smile on Christmas,” Hunter said. “They have endured so much hardship. I know a lot is going on and a lot is being said and there’s so much stuff that’s happening that isn’t positive and when you strip that all away you’re still going to have cold, hungry children who are in need.”
Lenny Carpenter, a band member of Attawapiskat, said he’s talked to family members that still live in the community and the mood is grim. Carpenter, who graduated from the Confederation College film program and a journalist with Wawatay News, said hearing what some of his family members are going through he had to do something.
“You see the video with what the children are living through and I’m just happy that I can help,” Carpenter said. “The mood in the community is pretty bad. They aren’t happy with how it has come to this. They are hoping this situation can get figured out.”
Carpenter added some good gift ideas would be hockey equipment.
Nicole McKay, president of Lakehead University Native Student Association, said given all that has happened in the community the least they could do was to try to give the children of Attawapiskat a merry Christmas.
“We feel it is important that every child should be able to open a gift on Christmas,” Hunter said. “I think it’s important that we work together to take some toys to their community.”
Donations can be made at NDP MP John Rafferty’s constituency office on George Street or at the Lakehead University Native Student Association Office in room UC 2019A.
The group is requesting no cash donations.
