A new committee has been formed at Saugeen First Nations and has been working on “Keeping Saugeen Warm” this season by hosting a “New” Coat Drive until the middle of December.
The ‘CARE and SHARE’ committee was created just a few months ago to set out to accomplish their goal of providing a brand “new “ quality coat to each child and youth in Saugeen under the age of 29, with priority being given to the people most in need.
Currently, 78 coats and 30 gift certificates have been donated and more are still more coming in.
The first distribution event took place last week at the Saugeen Wesley United Church with many Saugeen families coming out with their families to pick from the wide selection that had been collected to date.
For those still interested in having new coats for your family, the remaining available coats will be on display at the James Mason Centre following the Saugeen Santa parade on December 14th. More distribution events will be announced as coats become available.
The committee is now about half way to its goal but is still needing to continue to do more and is reaching out to the community.
Everyone can still make a difference in Saugeen by purchasing a coat or making a financial donation at the Rabbit Dash in Port Elgin or by contacting Lorraine Kewaquom at 519-389-1238. A charitable tax receipt can be issued if requested.
With more fundraising events still happening, the committee is also inviting all of their neighbours in Saugeen Shores to drop by and support the cause by purchasing raffle tickets at the Saugeen First Nation Christmas parade next Saturday night Dec. 14th starting at 7:00 p.m., followed by more community activities at the James Mason Centre .
This Friday, December 6th everyone is invited to a special community concert featuring the multi award winning Indigenous Canadian artist Crystal Shawanda. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, youth $10.00 and children $5.00. Raffle tickets will also be available from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. prior to the concert.
Last but not least, the committee is organizing a community supper and concert for all on Monday, Dec. 23rd so that the community can come together to feel supported and surrounded by their families and friends.
The committee would like to say “Chi-Miigwech to the following businesses and individuals for their generous support for the new coat project: Rootes Gas Bar, Canadian Tire Port Elgin, Giant Tiger Port Elgin, Kim George Saugeen, and Garb and Gear of Owen Sound.
Their support has been amazing and this would not have been possible without their generous contributions of new coats for our families in Saugeen.
