ARVIAT
Arviat's Garreth Anoee is the latest Kivalliq youth wearing a huge grin, thanks to Uncle Bob (Carveth) from the land Down Under.
Anoee, 9, received a kangaroo pelt from Uncle Bob earlier this month as a symbol of their friendship.
His dad, Eric, said Uncle Bob likes to get updates on the Arviat Film Society every now and then.
He said the Australian continues to donate money for the society to buy tea, or a cake for the youths, when its members are having a gathering.
"Uncle Bob likes to hear about how those nights went, so he calls me quite a bit" said Eric.
"A lot of times my boys, Garreth and Nangmalik, answer the phone, so he's gotten to know them pretty well that way."
Eric said Uncle Bob continues to have a lot of interest in Nunavut youth.
He said when Uncle Bob talks to Garreth, he always wants to know what's going on with him and his friends.
"He takes a real interest in what's going on in their lives and they seem to really appreciate that.
"They all think, and I do too, having a friend like Uncle Bob in Australia is pretty cool.
"One day, Uncle Bob thought it would be good to send something unique to the kids that would help educate them more about where he's from.
"Garreth is learning a lot about Australia and his older brother
(Nangmalik), who is 14 and in Grade 9, already knows quite a bit about the place and talks about it a lot."
Eric said both Garreth and Nangmalik were really impressed when the kangaroo pelt arrived.
He said they were amazed by the shape of the pelt, its long tail and that it's so different from
what they're used to seeing in Nunavut.
"Uncle Bob has sent quite a few pictures to me, which, of course, I always share with my family.
"He sends pictures of himself and the various wildlife in Australia, and he also films going to a zoo there with snakes, kangaroos and whatnot.
"So, because of all the stuff we get from Uncle Bob, the boys
are getting very familiar with Australia.
"It's quite unexpected for someone from the other side of the world to care so much about Nunavut and Inuit kids, which, to me, is just so amazing."
Eric said Arviat kids are fortunate to have received so many treats and gifts from Uncle Bob.
He said many of the items the Australian sends are cherished by local youths.
"Garreth keeps his kangaroo pelt beside his bed and he loves to get on it when he's listening to music or playing with his iPad.
"He really adores it.
"It's pretty soft, a bit like rabbit, and nice to the touch.
"It's a pretty big deal to Garreth right now, and we all thank Uncle Bob for his caring and generosity."
