IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - Angela Philips moved to Cambridge Bay in 1990 because she wanted an adventure. Nineteen years later, her adventures are far from over.

Philips juggles a busy schedule of baking for the Breakfast Program at the high school, volunteering her weekends to do crafts with children and raising money to fight cancer, all on top of her job as postmaster.

Angela Philips with the Northern Lights craft group at Kiilinik High School in Cambridge Bay on June 13. From left, Leticia Maghagak, Joyce Evetalegak, Angela Philips, Rhea Ekpakohak, Kianna Ekpakohak, Alice Evetalegak, Alannah Ekpakohak, and Alyssa Ekpakohak. - photo courtesy of Renee Krucas

When asked to describe how she feels about her work in the community, Philips said,

"It's almost a selfish thing, I get as much out of it myself."

Ermie LeBlanc, guidance counsellor at Kiilinik High School and a breakfast program volunteer, said Philips is the primary source of baked goods for the school's breakfast program.

"Early every Monday morning she slips into the school kitchen with huge packages of specially-made loaves and other nutritious food," she said. "All packages have little notes and smiley faces on them.”

Twelve-year-old Kayla Keyok said she is definitely a fan of the baking Philips provides to the program each week.

“Angela makes the best mini-loaves," she said. "My favourite ones are the banana loaves.”

LeBlanc also said Philips' craft sessions with kids in the community are very popular.

“It is great having Angela work with the children. Doing what she does naturally brings out their natural creativity. All of the children say that her sessions are fun, enjoyable, and 'cool,'" she said.

Every Saturday, Philips volunteers at the high school with a group of girls called the Northern Lights. She helps the girls construct crafts such as the Father's Day cards the group made on June 13.

"We had 10 little girls and we made Father's Day cards with fish on them and googly eyes," she said.

"Arts and crafts are just something that helps the kids relax. Not all children are geared toward athletics so it's nice to have something other than sports for them to be involved in."

Philips is also a breast cancer survivor and is involved in fundraising events to raise money for cancer charities.

"We've been doing bake sales," she said. "We've raised over $4,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation," she said.

Cambridge Bay resident Lisa Kootoolook Bachellier said Philips is always ready to do lend a helping hand.

“Angela is one of the most kind-hearted people I know," she said. "She is someone who I can always get good advice from. She always smiles and takes so much care in making sure that packages and mail go out to loved ones."

"One time she surprised me with a book of quotes in my mailbox just to brighten my day. I still have it on my coffee table."

--with files from Renee Krucas