Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Aug 31/05) - Mother Nature finally co-operated with a beautiful day for the 13th annual Kataujaq Society family picnic in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Wendy Kappi trys to catch a water balloon during the 2005 Kataujaq Society family picnic in Rankin Inlet as Charmaine Amarok watches all the action.

The society's executive director, Evelyn Thordarson, says the warm weather was a refreshing change from years past.

"This was the very first time it stayed warm all day for our picnic and never rained," says Thordarson.

"I'm going to take it as a positive omen for the society to have a great year ahead."

The warm weather did have a down side, however, as the number of people to come out to the picnic was down from previous years.

But, those who did come brought their appetites as the society went through all but 60 of the 500 hot dogs barbecued for the event.

The remaining hot dogs were handed out to the people still present at the end of the picnic. "Our local business community came through with great donations for our picnic this year, as well as our regular sponsors First Air and the Department of Community and Government Services.

"Among the donations were about 25 coupons good for either a poutine and a drink at the Siniktarvik Hotel, or a donut and a pop at the Sugar Rush Cafe.

"The kids just loved receiving those."

Thordarson says the annual picnic is a great way for the society to give a little back to the community it serves.

She says it's also a great way to celebrate the wonderful community Rankin Inlet has become. "Nobody pays for anything at the picnic.

"It's just a lot of fun to come out, have a hot dog, play a few games and, maybe, win a prize or two.

"Our picnic gives families the opportunity to spend some quality time together for an afternoon."

Thordarson says most people in the community now realize the Kataujaq Society is there to help families.

She says the safe shelter works closely with the Department of Social Services, and that's an important link to have in any community. "Yes, we operate a shelter for those who need it among our services. But, first and foremost, the services the Kataujaq Society provides are for the overall good and health of our community."