SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Christmas is coming early for some members of the Yellowknife community.

Alex Lamouelle, 11, collects a Christmas bag from volunteer Kenna Snow during the 2014 Christmas in July event in front of the post office. - NNSL file photo

But it won't be Santa doling out goodies tomorrow at the Northern United Place Auditorium - it will be Renee Sanderson and her team of volunteers passing out bags full of supplies and food to the homeless.

Sanderson started the annual drive four years ago.

"Growing up, my dad would always ask us if we did a good deed that day, and I think that kind of got instilled in me. So every day I wanted to go out and do my best and help others where I can," she said. This year, the bags are bigger than ever, including toiletries, snacks, gently used clothing, shoes and backpacks. Sanderson is also hoping to find some volunteers who can give free haircuts during this year's event.

The group has broken a fundraising record, raising approximately $1,500 to create the bags. Lona Hegeman, owner of the Arctic Chalet Bed and Breakfast,

donated packets of tea and sugar for this year's kits.

"Enough for about 100 people, and if she needs more, I'll give more," said Hegeman.

In past years, she's donated other things, including tarps for people sleeping outside in the summer.

"I don't think it's so much the tea, I don't think it is so much the soap or whatever items, but that the community expresses caring in this way," she said. "We're a small community, we know the homeless by name. They struggle visibly because they are out on the street, we see them. It's more immediate for them here. And so the invitation to help is also more immediate."

Sanderson agrees. She expects around 10 volunteers on Saturday to help assemble and pass out the bags.

Kenna Snow is one of them. This is the third year she's volunteered with Christmas in July. While most of the recipients are homeless, Snow says everyone is welcome.

"Everyone is thought of, and no one is turned away. If there's somebody else that needs something they're more than welcome to have it, anybody else in need," said Snow.

"You've got to remember they're still human," said Sanderson.

For now, her approximately 170 bags will have to do - but maybe not for long. Sanderson has been nominated for the Post Shreddies Search for Goodness, a competition for people making a difference in their community. She doesn't know who nominated her, but if Sanderson wins, she could walk away with $10,000.

She said if she wins, all of that's going back into the community.

"My ultimate goal is to go mobile, to provide more throughout the year instead of just the one time in July," she said. "I think the impact is really low, and I would like to do more, go bigger."

Hegeman said she supported Sanderson's bid.

"I think it would be marvelous if she got that recognition. It is remarkable that she has made this a focus for her and for her outreach," said Hegeman.

Snow agrees.

"She's a wonderful person. She's got a big heart, and I hope she succeeds," she said.

The distribution starts at noon on Saturday at the Northern United Place.

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