KUGLUKTUK/COPPERMINE - It took only four hours for Kugluktuk residents to raise $31,000 in the 8th Annual Christmas Radio Telethon on Dec. 15.

Shawn Kuliktana, Nolan Pigalak and Simon Kuliktana entertain the live audience and those listening on the radio during the Christmas Radio Telethon on Dec. 15. - photo courtesy of Miranda Atatahak

"It is the most money raised ever and this is amazing for Kugluktuk," said Millie Kuliktana, who founded the Christmas committee eight years ago.

She said the goal this year was to raise $25,000 for hampers in the community of close to 1,300 people.

Kuliktana hosted the radio telethon and members of the community played music to entertain residents listening while they were calling in to make donations.

"We challenged people to raise the bar," she said.

And that they did.

Volunteers used the raised money to buy all the groceries to put together 250 food hampers.

These hampers contained a turkey or a ham, potatoes, celery, carrots, tea, coffee, flour, sugar, lard, oranges, onions, hot chocolate, milk and breakfast cereal.

"And you can't forget Klik and biscuits," Kuliktana added.

Hampers were assembled in the community hall and volunteers delivered the food to residents on Dec. 22.

During the telethon, one of the musicians entertaining those listening was Colin Adjun. He said he has been involved in the annual event since it started. Adjun played the fiddle and sang along with his 13-year-old son.

He said the money collected will help those in need who might not have jobs, are widows or are families with children without much income, for example.

"It makes a difference, especially at Christmas time," he said.

Throughout the radio telethon, Adjun said people were coming in and out of the community hall to watch and take in some music, have coffee and chat.

"It was really good, we are grateful to the community," he said.

Kuliktana said the event could not have been such a success without the help of many volunteers including Miranda Atatahak, Lashawna Taipana, Wynter Kuliktana, Shawn Kuliktana, Simon Kuliktana, Bev Anablak, Lala Enok, Colin Adjun, Dustin Adjun, Danielle Adjun, Quentin and Laila Pigalak, Bessie and Doreen Evyagotailak and back-up musicians Dettrick, Kevin Dettrick and Nolan Pigalak.

When asked if he was tired after playing music for four hours, the senior Adjun responded with a "no".

"There is no tiredness. You enjoy it and the more money coming in creates more excitement ... you want to be there."