THUNDER BAY — In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Mikinakoos Children's Fund is looking to raise $15,000 by the end of the year.
Partnering with Keewaytinook Okimakanak First Nations, Keewaytinook Internet Highschools, and Fort Hope First Nation, Emily Shandruk, the executive director of the fund, aims to use the funds to purchase thousands of winter jackets for children in those areas.
"This year, we're partnering with three different groups in communities, which is resulting in close to 15,000 jackets," Shandruk said.
"That $15,000 that we're hoping to raise by the end of December will be coupled as well with a donation that we received from the TD Community Grants"
TD Bank donated $50,000 over two years to Mikinakoos Children's Fund in early November through its Ready Commitment Funding, giving the children's fund a $40,000 purse to buy much-needed winter items for kids in these remote communities.
With the help of the Knights of Columbus, Shandruk has been able to secure hundreds of new winter jackets,
"[They] let us know that they have this buying power and that they receive really excellent winter coats at a very discounted rate. So we've been able to purchase 1200 coats directly from them."
Shandruk expects the coats to arrive next week but says they are still accepting donations.
Donations can be made to Mikinakoos Children's Fund through this link.
