The SSVP North of 60 program has had a very successful summer sending sea containers and crates of food from Ontario across nine different communities in Nunavut. Some communities have already received their donated food due to mid-summer shipment dates.

The last four communities are eagerly expecting their containers’ arrival by the end of October/start of November.

Mid-summer, we sent 20-foot sea containers filled with food and household items to Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Rankin Inlet. These items were gathered thanks to the diligent efforts of many Vincentians from Markham, Toronto and Ottawa.

The communities of Baker Lake and Kugaaruk received large crates of food as well, 4 and 6 respectfully. They received less because they have yet to be adopted by a conference or council. Rather, they are supported by generous designated donations to the North of 60 project. These funds allow food to be purchased, crated, and then shipped. Both communities are truly hoping and praying to be adopted soon. 

We are often asked – How do you know what to send?  

Good question with an easy answer…. We are in constant communication with northern families throughout the year. We simply ask what they would like to receive. With that list we work to gather the items identified. Then we share the list with our membership. 

Sometimes conferences select food items to gather from the list.  Other times items are suggested to be gathered by a conference or an entire parish during Lent or Christmas food drive. Schools are also asked to gather certain items – who better understands what life would be like without peanut butter, granola bars or mac and cheese?

The benefits of North of 60 stretch beyond helping our families in the North. Conferences and councils often speak about the laughter and fun of coming together to build the pallets of food or loading a sea can – the rush of closing the sea can doors and applying the padlock.  Some conferences even paint the sea can to share more joy than food alone. 

There are 3 Pillars to success for the North of 60 program. 

1. The first is to gather food yourself or alongside a conference filling a sea can. 
2. Next is financial support. Funds can be designated to a community or helping with the logistics.
3. And most importantly, committing to adopt a community – requesting a sea can and filling it for a northern community of your choice. 

Should you ever think you would like to understand more about North of 60 – ask me.  I will gladly come to meet you personally, share PowerPoint photos and information.  You are never alone; I am committed to helping you with every step of your journey in support of a northern community. Together, you, me, our northern families, we are better.

Pegg Leroux, Chair
North of 60 National Committee