When residents of Fort Simpson began returning home following this summer’s wildfire evacuation, members of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) in Yellowknife knew one challenge would quickly become apparent: access to food.
With extended power outages leaving refrigerators and freezers unusable, much of the food stored in homes had spoiled. Local grocery supplies would also take time to recover. Recognizing the urgent need, the Yellowknife Conference sprang into action.
“We knew people would need help as soon as they returned,” explained Mark Needham, treasurer for the Yellowstone Conference. “The concern was what they would come home to.”
Before organizing assistance, SSVP volunteers spoke directly with evacuees staying in Yellowknife to understand their needs. While most said they were managing during the evacuation, they emphasized that support would be critical once they returned home.
That conversation sparked an ambitious six-day effort to assemble and transport a large shipment of essential groceries to Fort Simpson.
Working closely with the Sub-Chief and community leadership, volunteers developed a list of priority items based on what families would need most. Meat topped the list, followed by staple foods including rice, pasta, canned soups, vegetables, bread, and long-lasting produce such as potatoes, onions, and carrots. The shipment also included flour and sugar so families could make bannock and fresh bread—important staples in many northern households.
Lakeshore Co-op quickly stepped forward to make the delivery possible.
“They told us, ‘We’ve done this before, and we can help,'” said Mark. “Their support made it possible to get a substantial amount of food into the community in just a matter of days.”
The shipment arrived in Fort Simpson within six days of the initial idea. Distribution is being coordinated through the Band Office, ensuring assistance reaches those who need it most. Priority will be given to families whose refrigerators and freezers were damaged or whose food supplies were lost, as well as Elders.
The rapid response was made possible through collaboration across the Society.
“We simply could not have raised that amount of funding locally in such a short period of time,” said Mark. “We relied heavily on the generosity of the Calgary Conferences and the National Council. God bless them for their incredible support.”
The project also reflects the strength of longstanding community partnerships. Alongside Lakeshore Co-op, organizations including United Way, the teachers of St. Patrick School, and St. Patrick Parish provide ongoing financial support that enables the Yellowknife Conference to respond to local needs throughout the year.
Beyond emergency disaster relief, SSVP volunteers continue to serve vulnerable individuals and families through regular home visits. Teams of two volunteers meet people where they are, listen to their circumstances, provide food vouchers when appropriate, and connect them with local resources for housing, legal assistance, counselling, and other community services.
Despite its relatively small size, the Yellowknife Conference continues to make an outsized impact.
“The SSVP in Yellowknife really does punch above its weight,” Mark said.
Demand for assistance continues to grow. In 2025, the Conference experienced a 38 per cent increase in food insecurity, completing more than 300 home visits and assisting approximately 990 people, including nearly 500 children.
The trend has continued throughout 2026, with volunteers reporting even greater demand. Combined with the recent closure of a major mine and ongoing economic uncertainty, the need for compassionate, community-based support is expected to increase further.
For the volunteers of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, however, the mission remains unchanged: responding quickly, working together, and ensuring neighbours in need are never left to face hardship alone.
