Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Coppermine (Dec 19/05) - The Kugluktuk Christmas Committee will feed more than 100 families this holiday season.

That's because their third annual Christmas Radiothon raised upwards of $8,250 - a huge success considering the committee's goal was $6,000.

The first two radiothons raised about $5,000 each.

"We're overwhelmed," said co-organizer and president Millie Kuliktana. "I've been receiving hugs on the street from passersby all day!"

On Dec. 14, from 7 p.m. to midnight, the Christmas Committee hosted a radio phone-in show, encouraging people to donate what they can.

Aside from simply donating, people would challenge others in certain categories to "meet or beat" their pledge.

For example, retired people challenged other retired people, students challenged their classmates, families with only boys in their families challenged similar families, and there was even a challenge for parents who have a child named Adjukak to meet or beat.

"The community responded with really warm hearts," said Kuliktana.

Most of the money will go towards food hampers with basic items, plus either a turkey or a ham.

The Christmas Committee hopes to deliver hampers to at least 100 homes.

"On the 23rd my special helper elves will get in their vehicles and deliver baskets to people who need them," said Millie.

"I can almost cry thinking of the single moms who will smile when they receive the baskets."

The remaining moneys will buy every child in Kugluktuk who is 12 years and under a Christmas present from Santa, given out at a Christmas party Dec. 24.

One family donated 10 Christmas baskets for teens who made a pledge during the show. The Search and Rescue team and the HTO combined to donate 20 turkeys for the hampers.

"There will be lots of happy families!" said Kuliktana.

Between 50 to 100 Kugluktuk residents volunteer for the Christmas Committee over the holidays in one way or another.