Furniture for Attawapiskat

The residents of Attawapiskat, a needy northern Ontario First Nations community, were able to forget their troubles for awhile this Christmas, thanks to the efforts of True North Aid.  The Ottawa-based, volunteer-run charity  spearheaded a massive Christmas giveaway of food, winter coats, toys, diapers, blankets and even space heaters for the neediest families.

The federal government also responded to the emergency, and is shipping 22 new modular homes.  They will be erected on the reserve and given to families in the most desperate need, many of whom are presently attempting to survive the sub-zero climate in tents and shacks.

True North Aid was contacted and has been asked to organize efforts to furnish these homes.  A supplier has agreed to provide furniture the 3-bedroom houses for approximately $3500. per home.  A portion of the funds have already been committed, but more is needed.   Rachael Brown, founder and spokesperson for True North Aid, commented, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could raise enough money so that we could also give them dishes, bedding and other household items too!”

Charlie Angus, Member of Parliament for the Timmins – James Bay area has heard as well and sent a letter to encourage people to get involved.  You can read it below:

Dear Friends,

Efforts are underway to ensure the tent families of Attawapiskat are given a new start in life. A fundraising drive is taking place to buy good quality furniture for each of the 22 new modular homes being delivered to the community.

This initiative is being coordinated by EHL Homes (builders of the modular homes), True North Aid (a northern aid organization with experience getting aid into Attawapiskat) and the office of Charlie Angus.

The first donation has already come in from the Union of Taxation Employees in Ottawa which represents 27,000 workers at Canada Revenue, has donated $5,000 to the cause.“We want the families living in tents to get a new start. The children shouldn’t be sleeping on moldy mattresses.
I was thrilled to get the call from the Taxation Employees; this will go a long way towards helping furnish the new homes.” (Charlie Angus, MP Timmins – James Bay)

Anyone wanting to donate to the furniture fund, can visit True North Aids website.

Please feel free to share this information with your church groups, schools, colleagues, friends and family. Thank you for your continued support for our friends in Attawapiskat First Nation.  Together, we can make a difference for the families living there.

Sincerely,

Office of Charlie Angus,
Member of Parliament – James Bay

Tel 613-992-2919

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