Mikinakoos Children’s Fund receives $50,000 grant from TD Canada Trust to support warm clothing and backpack programs

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund - Special to The Bulletin

Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is pleased to announce a significant boost to its Warm Clothing (https://www.mikinakoos.com/warm-clothing) initiatives and Backpack Program (https://www.mikinakoos.com/backpack-program), thanks to the generous support of TD Canada Trust and their Ready Commitment Funding. The grant of $50,000 over two years will support Mikinakoos Children’s Fund’s mission to provide essential resources for First Nations children residing in remote communities.
This contribution comes at a crucial juncture as Mikinakoos is allocating $25,000 towards the procurement of winter coats for the Keewaytinook Okimakanak (KO) communities, which include Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Keewaywin, McDowell Lake, North Spirit Lake and Poplar Hill First Nations. “We have worked with KO communities in the past through our Backpack and Healthy Living programs, but this will be the first time that we are partnering with and supporting them through the Warm Winter Gear initiative,” said Mikinakoos Children’s Fund Executive Director, Emily Shandruk. “We are in the final stages of determining quantities and sizes, with an estimated distribution of 200 to 300 coats.”
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund empowers First Nations children and families to thrive, with the belief that every child should have access to warm and comfortable clothing and other essentials. Through its Warm Clothing initiatives, Mikinakoos provides gear tailored to northern weather, with local communities identifying recipients. Additionally, its Backpack Program helps combat food insecurity through collaboration with schools and communities to empower locally tailored initiatives.
“Through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank’s corporate citizenship platform, we aspire to help people participate and feel included in their community. We do this by supporting organizations, like Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, that respond to local needs and help people reach their goals for the future,” said Michael Nitz, District Vice President, Ontario Northern Shield West/Winnipeg South, TD Canada Trust. “That’s why we’re so proud to support the Warm Clothing initiative and Backpack Program, to help ensure First Nations children and families in Northern Ontario have access to essential resources, like nutritious food and winter clothing.”
“This substantial grant from TD signifies a milestone in Mikinakoos’ mission to assist First Nations children and families,” said Shandruk. “With TD’s invaluable support, we’re well-positioned to broaden our reach and make a truly meaningful difference in many young people’s lives.”