Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, January 23, 2008

RANKIN INLET - The generosity of the people of Rankin Inlet went a long way towards making it a merry Christmas for those in need of a helping hand in their community this past month.

The RCMP and volunteer fire department's Christmas Hamper Fund raised more than $16,000 in charitable donations this past year.

The money was used to help more than 100 Rankin families this past holiday season.

More than 90 families received gift certificates that could be used to purchase food, clothing or toys at the Northern and Co-op stores.

In addition to the certificates, more than 70 bags of groceries were delivered to local families by community constables, members of the RCMP and volunteer firefighters.

RCMP Cpl. Gerald Ouellet said while it's impressive that a community the size of Rankin Inlet donated more than $16,000 to a Christmas fund, he wasn't surprised by the level of generosity shown.

"Rankin isknown as a community that always has deep pockets when it comes to giving generously to help others," said Ouellet.

"We weren't expecting to raise more than $16,000, but we're very, very grateful to all the individuals, companies and organizations that gave so willingly to make this a happy Christmas for everyone in their community."

Ouellet said students at Simon Alaittuq school donated a little more than $900 to the hamper fund, and it was touching to see elementary school kids raise another $100 through the recycling program and choose to donate it to the Christmas project, as well.

He said the hamlet itself was also generous with its donation to this year's project.

"The firefighters assisted us with our fundraising efforts throughout the year and helped sort and deliver all the certificates and bags of groceries.

"The certificates we passed out this year were each worth $180, which was up $30 from the $150 received by 60 families the previous year."

Ouellet said another key to the success of this year's Christmas Hamper Fund was the RCMP and firefighters' ability to start their fundraising efforts earlier than in past years.

"We actually began with our Poker Rally this year, so the early start really helped increase the amount of money we raised.

"The firefighters were there with us the whole way and we couldn't have done it without them."