RCMP aid shelter's Christmas plan
Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Nov 13/00) - The Mounties broke out their chequebook last week and donated $700 to Iqaluit's Oqota Emergency Shelter.
The funds raised from the sale of 60 RCMP "V" division jackets, will go towards the shelter's Christmas/birthday bash.
"It's a community initiative -- it gives us a chance to give back to the community," said Insp. Norm Mazerolle, who presented the cheque.
Cst. Kevin Craig added that the timing of the donation coincides with the coming Christmas season.
Gord Barnes, executive director of the 14-bed shelter, said the money "will help us get a little Christmas into our lives and keep us from running around asking for donations at the last minute."
The Oqota shelter marks its second anniversary on Dec. 22.
Last year they held a combined Christmas/birthday celebration. Some people received presents for the first time in more than 20 years.
"There were a lot of tears here last year -- there was one man who hadn't received a present since he was 13 years old and he was about 50 last year," said Barnes.
"We want to make that an annual event and this will definitely help."
But with the Christmas season comes hardship. More homeless people are looking for a warm bed at night, and the shelter is forced to turn the newcomers away.
"Right now we have to refuse between one and two people a night and by the end of the month it will be up to three or four a night," said Barnes.
"Our doors open at 6 p.m. and if you aren't lined up by 5:45 p.m. you won't get in."
By month's end, a space at the women's shelter will be run by Baffin Regional Hospital for those who are mentally ill as well as homeless.
"That is such good news -- it will free up beds here and provide the medical help."
