The Nishnawbe Gamik Friendship Centre in Sioux Lookout has closed its doors to public and has suspended all programs at the facility in attempts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
However, staff have been working tirelessly to provide continued support for the community and its most vulnerable.
Executive Director Jennifer Thomas says they have delivered some 60 emergency hampers that include food and supplies to their Elders and families.
Staff will still drop off hampers and supplies at their door during the shutdown.
Thomas adds they have provided clients with food vouchers and gift cards to ensure that clients can purchase enough supplies until further financial help is available.
Additional formula, diapers and supplies have been delivered to their families in need of emergency assistance.
Thomas notes medical transportion for Elders who need access to dialysis and health care continues.
Staff have also harvested and delivered traditional medicines to the Sioux Lookout Supportive Housing project and Cold Weather drop-in Centre.
Jennifer Thomas provided the following statement to CKDR News:
“It is of the utmost importance that we provide on-going support to our community while committed to implementing social-distancing. We have communicated with our clients and families that Friendship Centre staff will drop off hampers and supplies at their door. Freshmarket Foods in Sioux Lookout has been a tremendous help and support during this time, and we acknowledge the assistance Todd, Tracy and the entire staff at Freshmarket Foods. They have waived delivery fees, assembled food hampers and assisted with deliveries as well, they are to be commended for their efforts.
It is our duty as organizations, community members and individuals to work together during this time of uncertainty and support our local Health care agencies by doing our part. Wash your hands, implement social-distancing and by kind to one another.
We encourage our community and clients to visit our Facebook page that provides alternate ways to contact us. We have also posted fun activities and things for families to do while in self-isolation and practising social-distancing. We are all in these together.”
