North of 60 Project
In 2010, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) took on the challenge initiated by Eileen Orysiuk and Sister Fay Trombley aimed at helping inhabitants of the Canadian Arctic in need. It all started in the community of Tuktoyaktuk, in the Northwest Territories.
The price of food in communities north of the 60th parallel can be exorbitant and prevent families from stocking their pantries. They say that “Hungry belly has no ears.” Many children from the North understand this statement too well. Our foodbanks fill hungry bellies; this source of energy then strengthens the students’ concentration. When students can complete their class work more effectively, they feel more motivated, which increases their chances of completing their education and contributing to their communities.
Over the years, while ensuring to not interfere in the local retail environment (food and other products), the SSVP as part of its mission has developed an innovative approach to:
- Reach and establish contacts in remote communities.
- Identify their needs.
- Collect non-perishable foods, household items and other daily essentials.
- Organize sea containers to deliver these products.
SSVP initiatives have enabled the creation of multiple food banks and used clothing distribution centers in northern communities, helping hundreds of parents feed and clothe their children.
By restoring dignity to families, these initiatives contribute to build skills and knowledge in the community, effect self-determination, cultivate community leaders and bring sustainable social change.
Take a few minutes to meet Michelle, Ruth Anne, Elizabeth and David, from the Northwest Territories, as well as Helen, Keith, Lu-Ann and Dorothy, from Nunavut. Listen to them tell the reality of their lives in their words and the impact of this project.
Our impact in the community
Teams of Vincentian volunteers from the south help neighbours in need in 16 in Northern Canadian communities whose needs continue to increase. They are assigned to a community, establish connections with the people and gain awareness of their requirements, allowing them to develop an accurate list of community needs and ensure equitable distribution of shipped goods.
The SSVP Activities
2023:
- Northwest Territories Support
For more than 10 years SSVP members in Edmonton and Calgary have been providing food, household items, beds and bedding, sewing machines and fabric as well as other items requested from members of the nine Communities that we serve…
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- Nunavut Support
North of 60 had an extremely busy summer sending food and household goods to 10 different communities across Nunavut. Our Vincentian ability to gift and share food, helps to alleviate the struggles and stress of many families caused by extremely high food prices across Nunavut. Truthfully, the further north a community is situated, the higher the price per item paid…
View full report - Kuujuak support
Every day, a team distributes cooked meals to families and individuals in need. Distribution is done by truck, 4-wheeler or snowmobile…
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2022:
- Northwest Territories Support
SSVP shipped eight shipping containers, first by truck, from the greater Edmonton and Calgary area to Hay River, where they were transferred to barges down the Mackenzie River, then onto ocean barges to transport them from port to port on the Beaufort Sea…
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- Nunavut Support
SSVP supported five communities in Nunavut, including a new community, Coral Harbour, as well as Whale Cove, Naujaat, Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet. All the food reached its final destination, despite the weather which caused a delay of almost 3 weeks…
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- Kuujuak support
The SSVP carried out a mission to assess the needs of Indian residential school survivors in terms of healing and reconciliation and continued to supply the Kuujjuaq thrift store by shipping clothing.