Our colleague and friend, Jennifer Kakegamic, is carrying a heavy load as she supports her parents, Charles and Margaret, through serious health and housing challenges. She doesn’t often ask for help. Many of us know her as someone who shows up for others with steady kindness and quiet strength. This fundraiser is organized by Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin Inc. (KIM) so Jennifer doesn’t have to carry this on her own during the holiday season.

Their Situation

Jennifer’s parents lived in the same rented home in Thunder Bay for more than forty years. After their landlord passed the property on to family, Charles and Margaret were evicted. Jennifer lives in Winnipeg, about eight hours away from her parents in Thunder Bay, which makes this even harder.

Her father’s health has declined. He has Parkinson’s, diabetes, heart issues, and was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year. Chemo was stopped because his body couldn’t tolerate it. His mobility is limited and he is now very weak. Her mother depends on him for almost everything, and she also struggles with mobility and daily tasks.

They now live in a basement medical apartment in Thunder Bay. It is dark, unfamiliar, and far from the neighbourhoods they know. It is difficult to go outside for exercise, and they have limited family support in the city.

When Jennifer visited recently, she was shocked to see didn’t have basic items like dish soap and had very little food. Her mother relies on taxis for groceries. Her father is too weak to go out. If home care didn’t stop in, they would be alone.

The apartment costs $3,300 a month. Sandy Lake First Nation has thankfully been covering the cost, but only until December 10. After that, the future is uncertain. They may be moved again into temporary housing. Stable, accessible housing in Thunder Bay is scarce and expensive. Even a studio apartment is around $1,200 a month and often inaccessible for Elders.

What the Funds Will Support

Jennifer identified a few practical things that would make a meaningful difference right now:

Every contribution will go directly to Jennifer to support her parents’ food needs, housing needs, and any urgent expenses that arise in the next few months.

Why This Matters

This is a hard moment for Jennifer and her family. She is doing everything she can, on top of her responsibilities at work and at home. Helping her in this way will ease some of the strain she carries alone.

If you’re able to give, please do. If you can’t, sharing our fundraiser also helps. *Please do not share on social media.

Thank you for supporting one of our own.