Christmas
came early to Christian Island
By Sharon
Weatherall
Chief
Roland Monague shared a story of goodwill which has positively impacted the
people of Christian Island this holiday season.
On Thursday
December 18th Beausoleil First Nation people were graciously gifted
with a large donation of clothes from a neighbouring community. All clothes
were brand new and brand name in boxes.
“We are
presently conducting a mass distribution today at the community Rec Centre.
Members were lined up at the door at 8:30 a.m. this morning and the crowds have
been on going all day to partake in receiving this kind gesture of clothing,”
said Chief Monague.
“I was
approached by a fellow from Collingwood whom wished to remain anonymous on
donating these to our members who could certainly use these clothes as a form
of Christmas offering. We received a cube van full of clothes that represents
many children’s clothing, clothing for youth and some adult clothing as well.
All indication is this has been well received by our members.”
Monague
said the distribution of the clothing was handled by Family Services on the
Island and the Chief and Council paid to rent a cube van for the cause.
Hank
Monague - family support worker with Family Services confirmed there was a good
response from the community to the quality name brand items mainly for children
under one year of age - including sleepers etc. and for children10 and under
including fleece jackets and pants. For adults there were women’s skirts and
sweater jackets with name brands such as Columbia and Roots. There were over 60
boxes of clothing in total.
The band
was notified of the donation last Sunday and transportation and pick-up were
arranged for Wednesday. Notification was sent out to members on Monday through
email and word of mouth inviting them to come over to the Recreation Center on
Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Four people
went to make the pick-up in Collingwood
and bring it back to the island. When the cube truck arrived there were
eight of us from Family Services here on Wednesday unpacking the clothing and
setting it out on tables for members to come in and go through,” said Monague.
“It was a
very generous donation - one of the biggest ones we have had and much
appreciated. We have had donations in the past through churches and charities
but nothing on this scale. The donor wishes to remain anonymous but just wanted
the community to have a good Christmas.”
A portion
of the gift will be paid forward. Monague says after BFN community members were
done going through the donation at the end of the day the remaining clothes items
were packed back up to be re-donated to other communities including Midland and
Penetanguishene through the Salvation Army, Friendship Center and Value Village
etc.
“Once the
clothing has been repacked we hope to redistribute it to other areas before
Christmas or within the New Year,” said Monague.
It was a
wonderful gesture for the BFN community at Christmas time and no doubt helped a
lot of people during one of the most financially trying times of the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment