In an average winter, a -15 Celsius day would be a cause to celebrate over the holidays. But Dec. 18 was the coldest day of the winter up to that point. It was a perfect day, then, for members of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimaknak (MKO) to be handing out winter care packages for the homeless and needy.
“We’re just calling people as they’re walking by, driving by Trapper’s and Burntwood, giving out packages,” said Gina Spence. “I’ve already ran out of men’s packages.”
Freda Lepine, one of the co-ordinators of the event, explained how the event came about: “Agnes Dantouze, she was the one who came up with the idea that we should contribute some of our personal funds, to help the homeless with mittens and whatnot. All of the staff got involved, and I approached Ryan Land with Vale and asked if they would match what we collected, and they did. So we bought some extra toques, mitts, to make the bags a little merrier.” Including Vale’s donation, MKO raised $1,300 with which to purchase the care packages.
Care packages included a toque, mitts, neckwarmers, socks, purses or wallets, and a few other items, as well as feminine care products for women’s packages.
MKO regularly organizes small aid activities throughout the season; last year, food packages were distributed. “A lot of them are from the communities we serve, so we want to give back to them,” said Lepine.