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ARVIAT
The long-standing tradition of putting a few extra smiles on the faces of elders and children during the Christmas holidays was upheld again this past month in Arviat.

Health centre interpreters Dora Nibgoarsi and Brenda Komakjuak, right, were among the many volunteers who helped with the elder's Christmas party in Arviat this past month. - photo courtesy of Susan Savikataaq

Volunteers from the health centre and food bank came together to host the annual elder's party, and to provide toys to underprivileged children in the community through the Secret Santa project.

Nurse Laureen Pameolik and nurse manager Sandy Ranahan have been co-ordinating the events for a number of years.

The elder's party has been held in Arviat for about 20 years, while the Secret Santa project has been on the go for about a decade.

Pameolik said the two events are an enjoyable part of volunteering.

She said they've been doing it for so long now, it's become something they look forward to every year.

"You make time for things you like to do because if you enjoy something, then you want to do it," said Pameolik.

"It's like a tradition now in Arviat, and our elders expect it, so we have to do it.

"It used to be just the nurses doing this, but, now that we manage the food bank, our volunteers have kindly added all this massive help into our nice big party now."

Pameolik said a number of bingos are held during the year to support the food bank.

She said the hamlet is also gracious enough to add an extra bingo to raise money for the Secret Santa project.

"We have 125 families who come to the food bank twice a month.

"So, we know they don't have a lot of presents for their kids.

"We work with Padlei Co-op to have a bunch of toys brought in for the kids of the families who come to the food bank."

Arviat's Secret Santa provided 167 boy's gifts this past Christmas and 142 girl's gifts.

The organizers use the food bank list to know how many presents they need and for what gender.

Pameolik said the parents come to collect the gifts for their kids.

She said the volunteers have been told over the years the families are grateful to receive the gifts.

"That's nice to hear, but we do Secret Santa for one reason and that's the kids.

"For us, it's all about helping the elders and kids enjoy their Christmas just a little bit more."

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