LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Pat Waugh wants to remind Fort Simpson residents of a donation system started last year to give a hot coffee or soup to those who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

Northern Store manger John Dempsey stands in the company's convenience shop on March 10. Customers at the shop can donate the cost of a coffee or soup for someone else who may not be able to afford it. - Shane Magee/NNSL photo

Waugh approached the Northern store manager, John Dempsey, in February 2014 with an idea.

She read online about a pay it forward program that allows a store customer to buy a coffee in the corner shop that can be given to someone else who comes in later.

It was changed to also allow customers to buy a soup or sandwich for someone during the winter months.

The store maintains a paper record showing what's been paid for already. When someone comes in, they claim a product and it's removed from the list.

The staff in the corner store mention the program to customers who might benefit from it. They don't solicit donations from customers, instead relying on those aware of the program to contribute. Northern staff regularly donate, Dempsey said, including himself.

It's a simple system that's met with success.

"I think it's been going well," Dempsey said. "It seems to be getting regular use by the people who need it."

Dempsey said he regularly sees those who use the program either around the store or outside.

He estimated there to be about 10 people who use it regularly.

"Its a great way for members of the community to give back," he said. "This is all about community helping other community members."

However, Waugh said after running for a year she wants to remind residents about the program to keep donations coming in.

Waugh told the Drum last year that after it was introduced, the number of people asking for money outside the store declined.

The manager said credit must be given to Waugh for introducing the idea in the village.

"Word got around very quickly. It was accepted with humbleness (by those who use it)," Dempsey said. "There was no expectation of anything. It was overall a very positive experience. There's nothing negative to say about it. There's been no complaints about it."

There are 30 single people considered homeless according to a count by a pair who provide a place to sleep in the winter for those with nowhere else to go.

The village doesn't have a homeless shelter but it does have a food bank run through the Dehcho Friendship Centre.