Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 07/05) - National Defence and Air Tindi planes laden with Christmas presents are winging to remote communities across the Northwest Territories.

Canada Post has donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army to buy necessities for people across the North.

As a result, about 200 Christmas hampers will be flown for distribution.

Ron Kingsley, area manager for the NWT with Canada Post, said "we feel there is a need in the communities for us to help. "We are partners with the North and we are in every community, just like the Salvation Army, so we want to help out."

Captain Jim Merritt of the Salvation Army said the hampers will go to the communities of Wha Ti, Fort Liard, Fort Rae, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Rae Lakes and Lutsel K'e.

"We hope to support people wherever need is found," Merritt said.

He said since the Salvation Army has been established in Yellowknife, National Defence, the RCMP and airlines have helped them fly hampers.

Major Bob MacKenzie of the Salvation Army said it is not just Christmas Day, but the entire Christmas season that people must get through.

"It's hard on people," MacKenzie said of the financial difficulties may people face.

"We've had people phoning us in October saying, 'I hope I can make the list this year'."