“Toys for the North” Annual Initiative Donates 837 Toys to the Matawa Communities
Thunder Bay, ON: This Holiday season, Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) staff gives a special thank you to the Thunder Bay RCMP Detachment and the Thunder Bay Gymnastics Association, who hosted their annual “Toys for the North” Initiative. This was in partnership with Matawa First Nations Management to distribute 837 donated toys to the children of the nine Matawa Communities. Other organizations in assistance for transportation are also involved this year, such as Cargo North Airlines, and Bearskin Airlines.
On Friday, December 12, a “Wrapping Party” was held locally at the Claydon building on the CLE ground. Matawa First Nations Management staff as well as students from Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen (KKETS) and Matawa Education participated in volunteering with the Thunder Bay RCMP, Thunder Bay Gymnastics Association, as well as other volunteer groups to wrap the donated toys for the nine Matawa First Nations. There was a large variety of donated items for the children that had many types of toys including dolls, colouring books, Legos, toys for babies, etc.
“The holidays are an important time for our First Nations,” said David Paul Achneepineskum, CEO of Matawa First Nations Management. “The event was a great turn-out and I am pleased with our Matawa First Nations volunteers. These donated Christmas toys are appreciated every year, and Our First Nations look forward to receiving these special gifts,” Achneepineksum added.
The Matawa Board of Directors and the Matawa First Nations Management staff would like to wish the First Nations and citizens of Thunder Bay a safe and festive Christmas Holiday, and a Happy New Year.