The Niagara College community has opened their closets, kitchens, and hearts to wildfire evacuees from Sandy Lake First Nation in northern Ontario, as well as Pukatawagan First Nation (Mathias Colomb Cree Nation) and Pimicikamak in northern Manitoba, who have been sheltering in Niagara Falls since early June.
Spearheaded by the Niagara Chapter of Native Women and the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, with support from Niagara College’s Indigenous Education department, a donation drive was launched to collect gently used clothing and new personal hygiene products–including diapers, menstrual products, sunscreen, hair care items, deodorant, and other essentials. The call to action was met with overwhelming generosity from the College community.
In total, more than 400 evacuees visited the Indigenous Education Centre at the Welland Campus to access donated supplies, offering some much-needed comfort and support as they begin to rebuild their lives.
“The outpouring of support from the Niagara College community has been truly inspiring,” said Leah Hogan, Director of Indigenous Education. “I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside such compassionate and dedicated individuals who have shown the true strength of community by coming together to support those in need.”
As part of its ongoing support for those affected by the wildfires, Niagara College has opened one of its kitchens — typically used by Baking and Pastry Arts students — to provide evacuees with the opportunity to bake Bannock, a traditional Indigenous bread.
“I can’t even fathom what this group is going through having to leave their homes behind,” said Craig Youdale, Dean, Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “To bring just a small, tiny smile to their faces is something we are happy to do, and we are glad we could distract them for just a few hours through a very difficult time.”
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the culinary team at NC for not only opening their kitchen to the evacuees but for doing so with such genuine kindness and hospitality,” said Hogan. “It was fantastic to see the smiles on the participants faces, it’s likely been a while since they’ve felt that kind of joy.”
Next week, more evacuees will visit the College to participate in a special “Pizza Night,” where they will have the opportunity to create their own pizzas using handmade dough prepared from scratch by Niagara College faculty.
How you can support
If you are interested in supporting evacuees through a financial contribution, please consider donating to the Niagara Chapter of Native Women, which is providing direct support to those affected.
How to Donate:
- In Person: Cash donations can be made at 1088 Garrison Road, Fort Erie.
- E-Transfer: Send donations via e-transfer to [email protected].
Please include the note “Donations for fire evacuees” in the message field.
If you would like a receipt, email [email protected] with your full name, mailing address, and phone number.
Online Donations via DHAC
De dwa da dehs nye>s Health Access Centre (DHAC) accepts online donations through the ‘General Fundraising’ option. Donations are processed via CanadaHelps, which will issue a tax receipt automatically.
