The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
For the past 16 years, residents of Flin Flon have been donating Christmas gifts for those less fortunate in the community. The tradition lives on today as the Flin Flon Indian-Mtis Friendship Centre is taking on the Christmas Gift Program for the second year. "The program is aimed at enabling parents to give their children a gift at Christmas when circumstances may otherwise prevent them from doing so," said Niki Stenerson, program and events coordinator for the centre. In a letter sent to businesses and organizations, Stenerson said the "goal is to provide a gift, barrier free, to a child and family in need." An appointment list is made Ð first come, first serve Ð to give a mother or father the chance to go to the Friendship Centre, pick a gift, wrap it and then take it home for under the tree. The Friendship Centre is allowing families to choose one gift for each child ranging in age from infants to 18. But filling a room with presents to be handed away isn't an easy task. The Friendship Centre relies heavily on donations of both money and gifts for this program to run. "The program has been very successful in the past," said Stenerson's letter, "but only because of the help of the community businesses and personal donations." The gift collection has already begun, and Stenerson says there are enough gifts for girls between the ages of four and seven. "We really need toys for boys and teenagers," she noted. Last year, the program brought in over 325 gifts. As well as gifts coming in so far, the Friendship Centre has also received a few cash donations Ð something Stenerson says is helpful. With money in their hands, she says it is possible to purchase the items they know they will need. "We can fill the gaps where we need things," she said. The Friendship Centre is stressing that the toys and gifts presented are to be new, as used toys can often carry germs. Stenerson says this year, she hopes to see family-oriented gifts like board games. Also, she says it's important to stay away from gifts that require other parts Ð such as computer games, CDs, DVDs and video games. The following is a list of gift ideas for those interested in donating to the program: Books with sound Building blocks Plush toys Cabbage Patch dolls Board games Trucks Trains Dolls Remote control toys Yoga mats Makeup sets Calendars Slippers Hair straightener Cosmetic kits Road hockey sets Ice fishing tools Hoodies Handheld electric games Sports equipment Lego Craft kits The program is open to residents of Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach, Cranberry Portage and Sherridon. Having once assisted Ida Kozar, the creator of the program, the Friendship Centre has now taken the project under its wing. To donate a gift or to request an appointment, contact Niki at 687-3900.
