Christmas for Churchill

Dear Oak Park Community;

My name is Skylar Ferguson and I'm in grade 11 at Oak Park High School. In May 2017 Churchill, Manitoba experienced a catastrophic flood that wiped out its rail line in 19 places. The lack of rail line left the Churchill residents without ground transportation in and out of their northern community. Supplies can only be received via air, which significantly raises the costs of food, supplies, and other goods needed now and especially at Christmas.Add to the rising prices of goods are now concerns over lost jobs and higher gasoline prices all amounting to less money to spend for Christmas.

I want the children of Churchill, Manitoba to have a special Christmas and to know that Manitobans care about their situation.Christmas for Churchill is a toy, food and monetary drive. We need to fill Santa's sleigh that is headed to Churchill. Let's show how much Manitobans care!!! I'm happy to be working in partnership with Oak Park's Social Justice Committee to make this a success!

We are asking for help with donations of food and money for toys and gift cards (so we can purchase specific age appropriate toys and Churchill families can purchase perishable foods such as fruits/vegetables).There are about 200 students that attend school, plus 70 preschool children. My wish is for all the children to receive gifts, but I will be working closely with the Churchill Christmas Cheer to make sure the most-needy children are provided for first.

****The link to our GoFundMe page is https://www.gofundme.com/christmasforchurchill

We are in contact with the generous folks at Calm Air, to have freight costs contributed for these donations. Fingers crossed!

Our goal is to raise $10,000, over 200 toys and lots of non-perishable food.

Toy/Food/Monetary drop-off dates secured so far:

Oak Park High School at 820 Charleswood Road:

Saturday, Nov. 18^th and Saturday, Dec. 2^nd from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm

Saturday, Dec. 9^th from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm

A drop-off box will be in the forum various weekdays throughout November until Dec. 8^th.

Last Chance Christmas Craft Sale at Club Regent Casino Hotel Dec. 10^th from 11am until 4:00pm.

Academy Lanes all three locations, Myrna Driedger, Breezy Bend Country Club, Petals 640 Leila, Judy Wilson 70 Lindenwood Drive (204-914-3489 for evening times) are drop off locations as well!

Thank you, for giving this your consideration. Our community can make such a difference in the Churchill, Manitoba children's lives.

If you have any questions, please email me at Skylarferguson2501@gmail.com

Best Regards,Skylar Ferguson and the Oak Park Social Justice Committee