Residents of Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., queued up at Mangilaluk School on Monday afternoon to collect complimentary winter attire, gifted by a charity based in Alberta. Roxanne Raddi was among the individuals benefiting from this initiative, expressing appreciation for the assistance provided. Approximately 250 winter jackets, hoodies, blankets, and toys were distributed to students, courtesy of the Wild Wolves of Canada, a charity established by motorcycle enthusiasts in Edmonton.
Grainger Thompson, a coordinator for the charity, mentioned the collaboration with the Hunters Trappers Committee in Tuktoyaktuk, initiated after the committee highlighted the community’s need for winter clothing. Thompson emphasized the importance of outfitting children with suitable winter gear to enable them to engage in outdoor activities and land-based learning opportunities in the challenging Arctic climate.
This donation of winter gear marks the charity’s first contribution of coats in the Northern region, with plans underway to extend similar support in the future. Thompson, speaking to CBC News from Inuvik, N.W.T., also noted the charity’s previous contributions of food to the Inuvik Food Bank. He expressed intentions to meet with the food bank, the town’s mayor, and representatives from the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in First Nations during his visit.
Thompson emphasized the charity’s commitment to supporting all communities in the Beaufort Delta region, highlighting their ambition to expand this initiative nationwide. Despite being federally incorporated for only a year, the organization has accomplished a significant amount of work with limited resources and personnel. Thompson reiterated the desire to see this program grow across the entire country.
As a result of this initiative, numerous children in Tuktoyaktuk now possess warm winter attire, a development that Raddi appreciates greatly. She extended her gratitude to the organizers and supporters involved in making this donation possible.