by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 13/97) - Two local organizations have teamed up to prove a point to MLAs who want to give themselves a $3,000 annual clothing allowance.

Arlene Hache, executive director of the Yellowknife Women's Centre and Moira Cameron of Ceilidh Friends plan to present a T-shirt emblazoned with the biblical verse, "I was naked and you clothed me" and "Support your local MLA" on it.

The demonstration is targeted at the very people responsible for the seasonal clothing allowance welfare recipients receive.

"Anybody that complains about needing a $3,000 clothing allowance, or that they think they need it, is abhorrent," said Cameron.

Currently, welfare recipients receive $200 per person each year for a seasonal clothing allowance. Those funds are only available after being on welfare for six months and is doled out in $50 increments, four times a year.

Hache said the system does not fulfil its original purpose -- to make sure people have warm clothing to wear when winter hits.

"The concept behind a seasonal clothing allowance is that when winter comes, you can get coats, hats and mitts," said Hache. Fifty dollars is not going to get you a coat, she added.

The two organizations plan to hold a peaceful demonstration on Franklin Avenue this Friday, to raise awareness over the issue.

Hache said she plans to bring income assessment forms for MLAs to fill out to see if they are eligible for a clothing allowance.