RANKIN INLET - Hundreds of people came out to the grounds at the M&T Enterprises Ltd. building to help the company celebrate its 30th anniversary this past month in Rankin Inlet.

There seems to be something a little fishy about how Marianne Tattuinee decorated her ATV during M&T's 30th anniversary bash in Rankin this past month. - photo courtesy of Judy Eecherk

The company sent the vast majority of those in attendance home with smiling faces after about two hours worth of games, contests, candy tosses and prize giveaways.

Prizes were drawn for in three categories: 14 and younger, 15 and older and M&T staff members.

Among the top prizes handed out to the public by M&T were two new ATVs won by Joe Okpatauyak and Issaluk Tanuyak, as well as four brand-new bicycles, a new television set and an ice auger.

Top prizes were also given out to the person with the best-decorated ATV ($400, $300 and $200), and the person with the best model plane and boat.

The winners were selected by three judges outside of M&T Enterprises.

A total of five $250 gift certificates redeemable for gas, gravel, snow removal or other services provided by M&T were also awarded.

M&T's chief financial officer, Craig Collier, started with the company in October of 1994. Collier said the 30th anniversary celebration was well-received by the community.

He said the original owners of M&T made a point of showing their gratitude to the community as often as they could: a tradition still in place today.

"Events like this are all about giving back to the community," said Collier.

"From day one, these special gatherings have always been Peter (Tatty) and Angelina's (Mercer) way of saying thanks and giving back to the community for its continued support.

"The way they always looked at it, without the support of the community, M&T wouldn't have seen its first anniversary, let alone its 30th.

"These days, Peter (Tatty), the Nunasi Corp. and Sakku Investments Corp. each own 33 per cent of the company, and it remains important to all of them to keep the tradition of saying thank you alive."