Dryden Native Friendship Centre - Acadia Broadcasting File Photo
The Dryden Native Friendship Centre has received a very generous donation of 16 thousand dollars from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.
Grand Council Treaty 3 challenged area First Nation communities to host a bannock challenge, to raise money in support of area homeless shelters and food banks.
Tyson Gardner of Wabigoon stresses it was a community effort and that it was Cindy Shabaquay’s idea to participate in challenge.
“It was a great event, a huge turnout in such a short period of time. But we got thinking of what we raised being such a small community wouldn’t be enough, so we put out the challenge out to area businesses and organizations we work with.”
Cindy Shabaquay (Wabigoon), Executive Director Cheryl Edwards, Tyson Gardner (Wabigoon) and DNFC Board President Beth Queau.
As a community, Wabigoon raised 11 hundred and 20 dollars, but the donations didn’t stop there.
After area businesses and organizations matched donations, the grand total amounted to just over 16 thousand dollars.
Gardner says they donated to the Dryden Native Friendship Centre because they recognize that Wabigoon is part of Dryden, just like Dryden is part of Wabigoon and the community members they serve.
“The support our stores and we support the stores in Dryden. A few years ago Dryden supported us in the search for Emily Chickekoo Brown. There was outgoing total support from the community for that, so it’s our way of saying thank you Dryden as well for you helping us and now we get the chance to help you. As long as we keep working to building on that relationship, we’ll get there together.”
Executive Director of the Dryden Native Friendship Centre, Cheryl Edwards says when operating normally, this amount of money could cover their breakfast and lunch programs for 5 days a week for 8-9 months.
Edwards adds the donation comes at a good time with cold weather on the way.
“When we look at some of the needs right now, especially with the changing weather, we can put some of this money into different use. Clothing, warm clothing is always going to be an issue and food security. Sometimes emergency services is something that’s also needed. This type of donation helps out in every aspect.”
Edwards says this size of donation is incredible and Wabigoon’s hard work and commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.
“I’m really pleased to see the efforts that First Nations have made, Wabigoon Lake in particular and Dryden Native Friendship Centre. We’ve always been here and we just feel so honoured that our neighbouring community would make this type of donation to us.”
