LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Employees of the NWT Power Corporation in the Deh Cho have donated $500 to the friendship centre to help supply families with food at Christmas time.

Aaron McNab, executive director of the Deh Cho Friendship Centre, holds a cheque for $500 from Local 19, comprised of employees of the NWT Power Corporation. Presenting the cheque to McNab on Nov. 12 were, from left, Anthony Roche, Mario Manuel, Trudy Nelner and Clod Manalo. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo

Trudy Nelner, a member of Local 19, said the union members were happy to contribute to a community cause.

"It feels really good," she said. "We're happy we did that."

Local 19 is comprised of employees of the NWT Power Corporation in the Inuvik, Sahtu and Dehcho regions.

This is the first donation like this from Local 19, she said.

The money will help fund the Christmas hamper program the Deh Cho Friendship Centre runs, said Aaron McNab, its executive director.

The money was greatly appreciated, McNab said.

"It's very helpful. It's more than what some others have contributed," he said on Nov. 12.

The Salvation Army also donates 40 hampers, which includes a turkey.

Donations of food and financial contributions are used to bolster the amount of food included in the hampers.

The centre pays between $2,500 and $3,000 to buy extra food to include in the hampers, McNab said.

Last year, 87 hampers were distributed. On average, the centre gives out about 70 hampers.

To receive a hamper, people must phone the centre and fill out an application form.

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