1000
Hi Family and Friends,
As the holiday season approaches, I have been thinking a lot about how we can help our Northern First Nation communities by giving this holiday season. Many communities do not have the same access to basic goods, toys for their children, or entertainment for their youth during the holiday season, which can mean a world of difference during the cold and dark winter months. Some communities continue to confront suicide epidemic among youth as young as 11 and are asking for kind letters to inspire hope.
I will be organizing a donation drive at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law over the next month.
Money collected through the go fund me page will be used to ship new and used items. Please feel free to specify if you want your donation to go to purchase any specific item (e.g. food, clothing, children's items, sports equipment, toys, etc.) or to any particular community (listed below).
Thanks for your generosity
Sundeep Virdi,
2L with a 2yr-old
University of Ottawa
Please feel free to contact these community groups and organizers directly below:
These groups are looking for help. If you are able to help, it would be greatly appreciated.
For the past few years, Canada Post has offered free shipping for one package each week in October for Small Business card holders. We suggest that if you are a Small Business owner, that you use this free shipping to help some community groups.
There are also flat rate shipping boxes available if you do not own a business, that range from $17.99 to $29.99
These groups are looking for help. If you are able to help, it would be greatly appreciated.
***Information confirmed and updated Nov 27/19***
Please be sure that anything you send is new or in excellent used condition. Most communities have little storage space and, in many communities, disposing of unusable items is an issue.
As well please consider that people may have allergies so preferably items should come from a pet free home. It is recommended that if you send anything that could potentially spill (i.e. shampoo) to enclose it in a plastic bag and keep scented products away from food items (i.e. put in an airtight container).
As well, due to Northern temperatures and shipping complications of food, it may be a better idea to donate money to a food bank so they are able to purchase the items requested. Many of the food banks have Co-Op accounts or will accept e-transfers.
Canada Post's website has a listing of non-mailable items. Other shipping info. at bottom.
****If you are having difficulty entering an address, click change on address and manually enter the address (i.e. General Delivery)****
If places don't ship to a P.O. Box, take a look at the official address of the post office you are shipping to; or use the P.O. Box number as the street number, for example: P.O. Box 307 becomes 307 Main Street
PLEASE NOTE: While what support we send is appreciated; this is a temporary band-aid; I've included information at the bottom of this list, please use your voice accordingly.
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Arctic Bay Food Bank
Needs: Clothing, toys, food, household goods
Send To:
Arctic Bay Food Bank
PO Box 49
Arctic Bay, NU
Attn: Cherita Kalluk
http://www.arcticfoodbank.com
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Arnaqjuaq School
Needs: Teenage clothing, game prizes for Christmas games for teenagers
Send To: Arnaqjuaq School
General Delivery
Hall Beach, NU X0A 0K0
Att: Sheba Piku
867-928-8855
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Arviligruaq Ilinniarvik School
Needs: Stickers, bulletin board sets, small gifts for birthdays, cake mix, icing, candles, balloons, decorations, juice mix, muffin mix, snacks for the children (age 5-7 yrs), Christmas decorations, Christmas craft kits, small Christmas gifts things for a Christmas party, socks any other items suitable for this age group
Send To: Arviligruaq Illinniarvik School
P.O. Box 53
Kugaaruk, NU X0B 1K0
Att: Christine Immingark, Grade 1 B
867-769-6211
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Ataguttaaluk Elementary School
Needs: Kids clothing, books, shoes, boots, general school supplies, snacks for children,
Send To: Ataguttaaluk Elementary
PO Box 370
Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0
Attn: Sarah Pope
867-934-8996
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Cambridge Bay Community Wellness Centre
Needs: Cookies, Jell-O, coconut, cinnamon, chocolate chips, brown sugar, cake mix, icing and icing sugar, crystal light, hot chocolate, popcorn, fruit bars, granola bars, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper also children’s games, crayons and colouring books, reading books, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles
Send to: Cambridge Bay Community Wellness Centre
13A Omingmak Street
Cambridge Bay, NU X0B 0CO
Attn: Anne Isnor
867-983-4670
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Clothing for children in Taloyoak
Needs: Clothing, boots, shoes, books for children from elementary to the end of high school
Send To: Netsilik School
PO Box 9
Taloyoak, NU X0B 1B0
Attn: Gina Pizzo
867-561-5181
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Clyde River Food Bank
Needs: canned food: soups, vegetables, tomatoes or tomato sauce, fruit, meat/fish (tuna, chicken, ham), beans; Beverages: juice 1 or 2 L, coffee (ground) not flavoured, tea, (herbal, regular); Dry Goods: pasta (375, 500, 900 g or larger), macaroni & cheese, rice, peanut butter, cereal, hot or cold, granola bars, soda crackers, sugar, flour, spices, dry soups, sauces; Toiletries: feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), infant formula, depends undergarments (medium-large), soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shampoo. Please note they cannot use: homemade foods, opened items, homemade pickled/canned goods, items containing alcohol and expired items (over 1 year)
Send To: Clyde River Food Bank
PO Box 6
Clyde River, NU X0A 0E0
Att: Jonibeth Kalluk
867-924-6223
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Please offer your letters of love, support and hope to the youth of the following communities struggling with suicide epidemics. In 2016 the communities were all nationally featured asking for help, and the struggles are still present. Also welcomed are any monetary items such as hats, scarves, mittens, books, sports equipment, DVDs, craft supplies and snacks to:
Community in God's Lake
General Delivery
Gods Lake, Manitoba R0B 0M0
Attn: Lorraine Trout
Community in Attawapiskat
Youth in Attawapiskat,
P.O. Box 248
Attawapiskat ON P0L 1A0
Cross Lake Nation
Youth in Cross Lake
Cross Lake Band Office,
P.O. Box 10
Cross Lake, Manitoba ROB OJO
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Chief Paul Niditchie School
Needs Feminine Hygiene Products, jackets, boots, mittens, toques, neck warmers, socks for children age 3-15 years
Send To: Chief Paul Niditchie School
P.O. BOX 50 Tsiigehtchic, NT X0E 0B0
Attn: Sonja Gregory
867-953-3211
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Hall Beach Prenatal Nutrition Program
Needs: Baby and Kids clothing to size 5, formula, diapers, other baby items
Send To:
Prenatal Nutrition Program
PO Box 43
Hall Beach, NU X0A 0K0
Attn: Berna Angotautok (FB Angotautok Berna)
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Igloolik Social Services
Needs: Winter clothing, coats, hats, boots, snow pants
Send To:
Igloolik Social Services
PO Box 300
Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0
Attn: Lori Cranswick
867-934-2120
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Igloolik Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank
Needs: Christmas gifts for children, all ages
Send To: Christmas Toy Drive
PO Box 32
Igloolik, NU
X0A 0L0
Attn: Akittiq Angutiqjuaq
Igloolik Niqinik Nuatsivik Nunavut Food Bank
Needs: minute rice, chicken noodle & vegetable soup mixes, Kraft dinner, Mr., noodles, tea, cereal coffee, coffee mate, sugar, sugar twin, baking powder, flour, mashed potato flakes, juice mix, crackers, fruit cups, puddings, toilet paper, baby formula, diapers
PO Box 32
Igloolik, NU
X0A 0L0
Attn: Bruce McRae
867-222-4322
[email redacted].
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Let us not forget the furry friends. in 2018 a fire destroyed the Humane Society
Iqaluit Humane Society
Needs: (see website for amazon wish list): paper towels, cat and dog carriers, poop bags; dog and cat food, NutriCal, pet treats, plastic collars (cones), dog and cat collars / leashes, airmiles so vets can fly to assist, gift cards
Send To: Iqaluit Humane Society
PO Box 11089
Iqaluit, NU, X0A 0H0
Att: Janelle Kennedy
https://www.iqaluithumanesociety.com
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Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik School
Needs: Kids clothing, books, shoes, boots, general school supplies
Send To: Jimmy Hikok Ilihakvik School
PO Box 148
Kugluktuk, NU X0B 0E0
Attn: Lori Rudyk
867-982-5706
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Jordan’s Principle Child First Initiative
Needs: (newborn through 4 XL): jackets, boots, mittens, toques, neck warmers, socks, thermal underwear
Send To: Jordan’s Principle Child First Initiative:
C/O Nursing Station
P.O. BOX 10
Deer Lake, ON P0V 1NO
807-775-2054
http://qalipu.ca/eve…/jordans-principle-information-session/
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Kataujaq Women’s Shelter
Needs: Cleaning items (Lysol wipes, laundry pods, sponges), Womens' and children’s' clothing, craft items, queen and double sheets, preferably flannel
Requested: small, personal gift items for the staff (20 women in total) as the organization has a high overhead and rarely has an opportunity to provide something to the staff in recognition of the work that they do
Send To:
Kataujaq Women’s Shelter
PO Box 344
Rankin Inlet, NU X0C 0G0
Attn: Joyce Kent (FB Poseidon Kent)
867-645-2214
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Kugaaruk Kindergarten
Needs: stickers and little rewards to give out, bulletin board sets, and other suitable items. The kindergarten teacher likes to have monthly birthday parties so she would appreciate cake mixes,
icing, juice mix, birthday candles or sparklers, tablecloths, napkins and small gifts under $5 for the birthday children
Send To: Kugaaruk Kindergarten
c/o Helen Niptayuk
PO Box 53
Kugaaruk, NU, X0B 1K0
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Kugluktuk Youth Centre
Needs: Warm clothing, socks, hats, sweaters, coats, etc,
Send To: Youth Center Kugluktuk
PO Box 271
Kugluktuk, NU X0B 0E0
Attn: Youth Co-ordinator
867-982-6522
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Makkuttukkuvik Youth Centre
Teens ages 13-18
Needs: Snow pants, Jackets, Scarves/neck warmers, Winter boots, Long sleeve shirts, Hoodies/sweaters, Hats/ ear muffs, Mitts/gloves, Socks, Long johns/ tights, Hand warmers, any thermal wear
Send To: Iqaluit Youth Centre
PO Box 460
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Attn: Conor Goddard
867-979-5620
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Naujaat Food Bank
Needs: minute rice, chicken noodle & vegetable soup mixes, Kraft dinner, Mr., noodles, tea, cereal coffee, coffee mate, sugar, sugar twin, baking powder, flour, mashed potato flakes, juice mix, crackers, fruit cups, puddings, toilet paper, baby formula, diapers
Send To: Naujaat Food Bank
General Delivery
Naujaat, NU X0C 0HO
Attn: Jeela Qaunaq
867-462-4824
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Mittima Food Bank Society
Needs: canned food: soups, vegetables, tomatoes or tomato sauce, fruit, meat/fish (tuna, chicken, ham), beans; Beverages: juice 1 or 2 L, coffee (ground) not flavoured, tea, (herbal, regular); Dry Goods: pasta (375, 500, 900 g or larger), macaroni & cheese, rice, peanut butter, cereal, hot or cold, granola bars, soda crackers, sugar, flour, spices, dry soups, sauces; Toiletries: feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), depends undergarments (medium-large), soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shampoo. Please note they cannot use: homemade foods, opened items, homemade pickled/canned goods, items containing alcohol and expired items (over 1 year)
Send To:
P.O. Box 135 Pond Inlet,
NU, X0A 0S0
Attn: Michelle Leetia Atagootak
867-899-8934
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Qarmartalik School
Needs: Kids clothing, books, shoes, boots, general school supplies
Send To: Qarmartalik School
P.O. Box 120
Resolute Bay, NU X0A 0V0
Attn: Robert Filipkowski, Principal
867-252-3888
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Qayuqturvik Food Centre
Needs: canned food: soups, vegetables, tomatoes or tomato sauce, fruit, meat/fish (tuna, chicken, ham), beans; Beverages: juice 1 or 2 L, coffee (ground) not flavoured, tea, (herbal, regular); Dry Goods: pasta (375, 500, 900 g or larger), macaroni & cheese, rice, peanut butter, cereal, hot or cold, granola bars, soda crackers, sugar, flour, spices, dry soups, sauces; Toiletries: feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), infant formula, depends undergarments (medium-large), soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shampoo. Please note they cannot use: homemade foods, opened items, homemade pickled/canned goods, items containing alcohol and expired items (over 1 year)
Send To: Qayuqturvik Society
P.O. Box 119
Iqaluit Nu, X0A 0H0
Attn: Wade Thorhaug
867-979-4863
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Qikiqtarjuaq Youth Committee
Needs: Sports equipment for kids (especially badminton equipment and running/sports shoes up to teen sizes)
Send To: Qikiqtarjuaq Youth Committee
P.O. Box 4
Qikiqtarjuaq, NU
X0A 0B0
Attn: Youth Center Manager: Gina Mary Akulukjuk
867-473-8020
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Qimaavik Womens Shelter
Needs: Womens and kids boots, shoes, snow pants.
Send To:
Qimaavik Shelter
P.O Box 237
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0
Attn: Jeannie Bishop
867-979-4500
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Resolute Bay Food Bank
Needs: canned food: soups, vegetables, tomatoes or tomato sauce, fruit, meat/fish (tuna, chicken, ham), beans; Beverages: juice 1 or 2 L, coffee (ground) not flavoured, tea, (herbal, regular); Dry Goods: pasta (375, 500, 900 g or larger), macaroni & cheese, rice, peanut butter, cereal, hot or cold, granola bars, soda crackers, sugar, flour, spices, dry soups, sauces; Toiletries: feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), infant formula, depends undergarments (medium-large), soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shampoo. Please note they cannot use: homemade foods, opened items, homemade pickled/canned goods, items containing alcohol and expired items (over 1 year)
Send To: Resolute Bay Food Bank
P.O. Box 11630
Resolute Bay NU, X0A 0V0
Attn: Sarah Salluviniq
867-873-8145
867-979-3368
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Sam Pudlat Elementary
Needs: Jackets, boots, mittens, toques, neck warmers, socks, thermal underwear
Send To: Sam Pudlat Elementary School
P.O. Box 210
Cape Dorset, NU X0A 0C0
867-897-8332
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Tadoule Lake Community Support
Needs: Adult and children mitts, socks, long johns, hats, scarfs, jackets, coats, shoes, boots
Send To: Community Support
Attn: Nancy Powderhorn (FB Nancy North)
PO Box 41
Tadoule Lake,
MB R0B 2C0
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Taloyoak Food Bank
Needs: flour, soup mixes, spaghetti & pasta sauce, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, coffemate, sugar twin, cookies, crackers, Kraft dinner, tuna helper and cans of tuna, sidekicks, mashed potato flakes, peanut butter, cereal, instant oatmeal, toiletries, sanitary napkins, infant formula, diapers, herbs, spices, sauces, flavourings
Send To: Taloyoak Food Bank
P.O. Box 235
Taloyoak, NU X0B 1B0
Attn: Diane Charlie
867-561-6341
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Tikinagan Child & Family Violence Prevention Services
Needs: Sewing and beading supplies, child crafts they can use at home, clothing
Send To: Tikinagan Child & Family Violence Prevention Services
General Delivery
Slate Falls, ON P0V 3C0
Attn: Brenda Roundhead
More communities: https://www.tikinagan.org/contact/service-units
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Tusarvik School
Needs: Children's warm clothing, shoes, new underwear and socks, books, small toys for ages kindergarten to grade six
Send To: Tusarvik School
PO Box 130
Naujaat, NU X0C 0H0
Attn: Em Hofstede
867-462-9920
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Ulaajuk School
Needs: Children’s clothing, shoes and boots up to age 11
Send To: Ulaajuk School
PO Box 520
Pond Inlet, NU X0A 0S0
Attn: Tammy Constantine, Principal
867-899-8964
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Ulukhaktok Community Support
Needs: Clothing, boots, shoes for all ages, housewares, bedding,
Send To: Hamlet of Ulukhaktok
PO Box 157
Ulukhaktok, NT XOE OSO
Attn: Laverna Goose Klengenberg, Mayor
867-396-8000
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Uguuthu Homeless Shelter for Men
Needs: coats, gloves, toques, scarves, boots, personal hygiene products, and any warm clothing
Send To: Uqquuthu Homeless Shelter for Men
P.O. Box 447
Iqaluit, NU, X0A 0H0
867-979-8836
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Yellowknife Women's Society
Needs: warm clothes for men, women or children, new underwear and socks for women, and blankets, pillows or sheets
Send To: Attention: Bree Denning
PO Box 2303
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P7
867-873-2566
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White Horse Food Bank
Needs: Canned food: soups, vegetables, tomatoes or tomato sauce, fruit, meat/fish (tuna, chicken, ham), beans; Beverages: juice 1 or 2 L, coffee (ground) not flavoured, tea, (herbal, regular); Dry Goods: pasta (375, 500, 900 g or larger), macaroni & cheese, rice, peanut butter, cereal, hot or cold, granola bars, soda crackers, sugar, flour; Toiletries: feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, diapers (all sizes), infant formula, depends undergarments (medium-large), soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shampoo. Please note they cannot use: homemade foods, opened items, homemade pickled/canned goods, items containing alcohol and expired items (over 1 year)
Send To:
Whitehorse Food Bank:
306b Alexander Street
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2L6
867-393-2265
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Friends of the North
If you live in the Waterloo Region area, we will accept your gifts in kind of diapers, infant formula, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products.
We have a generous sponsor who covers shipping of these items
See FB Group (Friends of the North) to join and for more information
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there are FB Groups for people to join who would like to assist year-round:
The Northern Birthday Box Project
Helping our Northern Neighbours
Helping Nunavut - Giving From Our Hearts
(HONN) Formula Help for our Northern Communities/Neighbours
PS: If you are interested, go here for more information about food insecurity:
https://www.itk.ca/…/canadian-inuit-…/information-resources/
https://www.feedopportunity.com/uncanadian/
For a list of free shipping / moderate shipping check out:
Free Shipping
Carters Children’s Place The Last Hunt MEC Sports Check
Chatters Lululemon Old Navy Sephora Dyson Ricki's
Joe Fresh LeChateau Chapters Bogs The Bay Bootlegger
Lush Starbucks David's Tea Bootlegger Circuits
221B Tactical Snugglebugz Lagoon Baby Best Buy Marks
Princess Auto Pat
Reasonable Shipping
London Drugs Bed Bath Beyond/ Buy Baby Pet Only
Party City Ebay 911 gear Bath and Body Works Costco Beachbody
Cabelas Simons.ca Young Living Nest Family Centre
Etsy Norwex Pampered Chef Epicure Healthy Planet
Well.ca Shutterfly Vista Print Zulily Disney Movie Club
Discovery Toys Clearly.ca
Note: some shipping does not work if it comes from a third party vendor (i.e. Wal-Mart, Amazon). some please offer free shipping for certain items / over certain amounts
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Dear Prime Minister: Canada needs a comprehensive, integrated strategy to reduce food insecurity, ensuring sufficient incomes and benefits, so that all Canadian households can pay for basic needs, including food.
The Prime Minister greatly values the thoughts and suggestions of Canadians. You may write or fax his office at:
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Attn: The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P., Prime Minster of Canada
Fax: [phone redacted]
https://pm.gc.ca/en/connect/contact
