Rankin Inlet (Sep 01/04) - The 12th annual Kataujaq Society family picnic is being hailed as a huge success in Rankin Inlet.

More than 200 people came out for the Aug. 22 event to take part in numerous games, win some great prizes, enjoy some hot dogs fresh from the grill and, most importantly, spend some quality family time together.

The Kataujaq Society, a non-profit organization, runs a safe shelter and day care in Rankin.

Executive director Evelyn Thordarson said the 2004 picnic went extremely well considering, once again, Mother Nature decided not to co-operate.

"The rain was no big surprise because it seems to rain during our picnic every year," lamented Thordarson.

"It just happened to rain a little harder than usual this year."

Thordarson said despite the rainy conditions, the picnic was popular with everyone who attended.

She said the picnic's corporate sponsors and the business community really stepped up to help make this year's event a success.

"We received excellent donations from the various corporations around town and we received a number of cash donations as well, which is always nice.

"First Air is our prime sponsor and the Department of Community and Government Services kicked in with a $300 donation."

Families first

Thordarson said the annual picnic is held to both thank the community for the support the society receives year-round, and to provide a day of fun-filled activities families can come out and enjoy together.

She said helping to keep families strong is the society's main purpose.

"Too often people think because we run a safe shelter, we break families apart and nothing could be further from the truth.

"Yes, we provide help to women who need it, but our main goal is to help families stay together and create a healthy environment for kids to grow and prosper in.

"Helping to create strong family units between the society and our day care is what we're all about."