Students at Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School in east Ottawa were in the spirit of giving. They donated over seven industrial sized boxes of winter wear to children in Nunavut that didn’t have access to winter clothing. The campaign at the high school began on December 9th and donations were accepted until December 23rd.
The donations were made on behalf of the Quota Club of Ottawa.
The Quota Club of Ottawa is a not for profit organisation that’s mandate is to assist the deaf and disadvantaged women and children in the community.
This year marks the second year the organization hosts the Nunavut Winter Clothing Drive for Inuit Children and Youth.
All winter clothing donations will be transported via air travel to Nunavut, courtesy of First Air and Air Inuit
According to the Quota Club of Ottawa, 93 industrial sized boxes filled with winter parkas, snowsuits, boots, hats and mitts, were collected on behalf of the organisation, last year.
Alex Hubley and Meagan Babe are the students responsible for the campaigning at the high school and for the transportation of the donated winter clothing to the Quota Club of Ottawa’s headquarters.
“Over 60% households in Nunavut report having severe food insecurity. Food is really expensive up north and fresh food does not get shipped in often enough. So it’s really important to donate so they don’t have to choose between having a meal on the table or having winter clothes” Babe remarked.
The two students also organised a bake sale in the high school on December 20th , with the proceeds going to the Wabano Center for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa.
“We’ve baked all these cookies and cupcakes, and all the proceeds we collect from selling them, are going to go to sustaining the Wabano Aboriginal Center right here in our community,” Hubley said
The Wabano Center for Aboriginal Health aims to “prevent ill health, treat illnesses and provide support and after care programing” as stated on the corporate website.
The donated winter clothing will arrive in Nunavut by the New Year if all goes as planned
