December
17, 2019 (Almonte, ON) ̶ Nine large boxes filled with parkas, winter
hats, snow pants, mittens, and balaclavas have arrived at Kugluktuk High School in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, the
result of a winter clothing drive held at Almonte District High School.
The
Grade 11 Indigenous English class clothing drive, which was led by Leadership
Student Karleigh Kucharik, gathered a total of 89 kilograms of clothing in
October. The donations were shipped in November.
The
drive was inspired by a presentation at the school last year by Kucharik’s
sister and her partner, who both live and work in Kugluktuk. The couple spoke
to students about life in the northern town, the poverty and the severe need for
proper winter clothing.
“This
drive helped my students understand that there are issues out there they can
work toward changing,” said teacher Kelly Stewart. “It allowed them to connect
with the people up there and understand what the challenges are, and to make a
real connection with Reconciliation.”
Along
with the clothing, Stewart’s students sent 83 letters of encouragement to their
peers in Kugluktuk, each attached to winter hats.
For
media inquiries, please contact:
Casey
Nelson
Principal
Almonte District High School
(613)
256-1470