Mushkegowuk Council’s mental wellness department is looking for donations to help children, youth and adults in Kashechewan spend time while they’re isolating.
The remote northern community has been hit hard with COVID-19 cases in the past few weeks.
As of Monday, there were 216 active cases in Kashechewan: 105 cases were children of 12 years and younger, 33 cases were youth between 13 and 17, and 78 cases were adults over 18.
There are over 138 high-risk contacts, according to the community’s Pandemic Taskforce Committee.
Mushkegowuk Council's mental wellness department’s manager Stacey Vincent Cress said the team is looking for items to help Kashechewan residents pass the time while they’re in quarantine.
“We’re accepting books, activities, paint, arts and crafts, board games, all those sorts of things,” Cress said. “Anything to keep people busy, keep their mind off things, help out with their mental health and wellbeing.”
Cress asked people to donate by tomorrow when a cargo plane will be leaving to Kashechewan from Timmins.
“I have been overwhelmed and appreciative of the number of people who have called and donated,” he said. “It’s really nice to see people are trying to help out the best they can and it’s very much appreciated.”
People wishing to donate can text Cress at 705-406-3303 to make drop-off and pick-up arrangements.
If you don't have items to donate, there is also a separate donation fund that has been set up through the Menonite Central Committee to help airlift emergency supplies to the James Bay communities.
As of June 14, $85,000 of the $150,000 goal has been raised. You can donate to that here.