The following is the Executive Summary of the Western Region North of 60 Project 2021 Annual Report. To read the full report, please click the picture at the bottom of this article. Contributed by Peter Ouellette.

Executive Summary

Ten years ago, Western Region of Society of Saint Vincent de Paul took on the challenge that was initiated by Eileen Orysiuk and Sister Fay Trombley – to assist those in need living in Arctic Canada. They started with the Community of Tuktoyaktuk. The list of Arctic Communities and the support from SSVP across Canada grew. Today there are 3 Regions of the Society supporting those in need that live in 19 Canadian Communities in the far North. Ontario Vincentians focus on Nunavut Territory, Quebec Region has their focus on Nunavik and the Western Region of SSVP works to help those in Northwest Territories. We again are grateful to our corporate benefactors who make this project financially viable. The warehouse and transportation logistics, food supply and household product donations continue to be strong. The COVID restrictions continued in 2021 and resulted in very little food donations from parishioners, families, and friends. However, many loyal supporters, foundations and charities provided cash donations that allowed for bulk purchases of the basic food security shipments to those in need in the Northwest Territories. This project is managed by a team of SSVP volunteers. There are no paid employees. Team members are assigned a community. Their role is to develop knowledge and most importantly rapport that allows for an accurate listing of the community needs as well as a confidence of fair distribution of the product shipped. The team members try to make Community visits every couple of years however Covid has restricted this over the last few years. Team members also meet their contacts or Community Elders when they are in Edmonton on personal or medical visits. Your continued support will allow the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul – North of 60 Project to strengthen and grow. Thanks for helping us to help others, and blessings to all of you.

Please click the report photo below to read the annual report.