Mishkeegogamang First Nation collects donations in Toronto

Members of Mishkeegogamang First Nation, located over 300 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, are collecting donations in Toronto to help people back home through the winter.

Items such as warm clothing, blankets, and furniture are badly needed in the remote community, said organizer Gary Wassaykeesic, who added that there's a stark difference between life in Toronto and life in Mishkeegogamang.

"When I go back into my home area, into my home community... I see the devastation that's there, the lack of housing, the overcrowding, the cold, then watching the kids play with either one toy or no toys at all," he said.

"I've got to say it hurts."

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Wassaykeesic said the plan is to fill an 18-wheel truck with donations before driving it Mishkeegogamang early in December. He said donations are coming in and more volunteers are coming forward.

The donation drive is also getting support from the CUPE local 3903 First Nations solidarity working group. 

"We've already got about two storage warehouses full of stuff, but there is more needed to fill the truck," said Wassaykeesic.

"It feels really good. There are some very good people in this world."

To volunteer or contribute email cupe3903fnswg@gmail.com.