NEWFLASH

Pikangikum, an isolated community of approximately 2,400 people north of Red Lake can currently be characterized by desperate proverty resulting from limited economic base, very high unemployment (over 500 families on social assistance), substandard housing (most have not running water, sewage, or hydro), overcrowding (up to 20 people in one home), and an inadequate community infrastructure (poor water filtration and inadequate school facilities).

This has contributed to a very high rate of alcoholism that has led to the family instability and breakdown.  Apart from very significant child protection issues, there are very high suicide and solvent abuse issues affecting children as young as six years of age.  Over the last two years, there have been 26 deaths from suicides.  There are over 352 known gas sniffers within the community.

Pikangikum is a community in crisis and the children have become victims.

In response to a recent request for concrete emergency relief supplies, we are requesting donations for the following items:

• Baby Formula (Enfamil with iron)
• Pampers, size 4-6
• Children/Teen winter clothes, hat, mittens, boots, jackets
• Flour, sugar, tea, carnation milk
• Kraft dinner, baby food, etc
• Warm blankets

Drop off sites that have been established to date are:

• Fort Frances - Wal-Mart, Safeway 
• Rainy River - Beaver Mills
• Emo - Cloverleaf Foods 
• Family & Children's Services office in Fort Frances and Atikokan

Pick up will also be available.

Any donation however small is sincerely appreciated.  If you would like to make a financial donation, please do so at Family and Children's Services office in either Fort Frances or Atikokan. Tax receipts will be issued.

Deadline is Friday, December 11, 2009.