Northwestel and the Whitehorse Firefighters Charitable Society launched their ninth annual toy and food drive for families across the territory this holiday season on Nov. 12.
The Share the Spirit campaign is estimated to reach 500 to 1,000 Yukon families this year, with a sign-up deadline set for Dec. 7.
Northwestel kicked off the launch with a $5,000 donation to the campaign.
Toys can be donated at the Northwestel retail centre on Elliot Street until Dec. 12, and registered sponsors can receive an anonymized Christmas wish list for children across the territory.
The campaign provides support to underprivileged families and children in a way that preserves their dignity and sense of pride, said Whitehorse firehall captain Nicholas O'Carroll. The campaign works directly with the families to understand their specific needs and wishes, rather than just giving them generic donations, he added.
“It's not like a passive program where if you were a family, somebody says, 'Hey, they don’t have any money, so let's just bring them something.' That can be kind of insulting to people. So, we made sure that we work with the family so that they're giving us wishes, so that way they're giving us an idea of what they want,” O’Carroll said.
Some families in need prefer to keep the source of the gifts private to avoid potential stigma or embarrassment for their children. This discretion allows them to enjoy the holidays without any added stress.
Some Whitehorse firefighters have a personal connection to the program, having been recipients of support themselves, O’Carroll said. This understanding and appreciation enhance the campaign’s approach toward understanding and making a difference, he added.
The drive has garnered widespread community support, with various organizations and volunteers coming together to ensure its success.
In attendance at the launch were Whitehorse's Deputy Mayor Dan Boyd, Yukon's Deputy Premier Jeanie McLean, Ta’an Kwäch'än Council Chief Ruth Massie and Kwanlin Dün Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith.
Volunteer fire departments in Dawson and the RCMP in Old Crow are set to assist with delivering presents and food to families in their respective communities, ensuring no one is left out during the holidays.
O’Carroll told the News that the charitable society collaborates with First Nations communities and medical groups to identify and reach families needing support.
“Meeting those high expectations can be difficult, especially with the issues of high inflation and cost of living affecting us in the north. Every parent wants to be able to make the kids' dreams come true during the holidays, and they want to give their kids presents that would light them up,” said Uyenets’echᶖa Smith.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
