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Food donations lead to ‘big’ Christmas feasts

This year the Ilisaqsivik is celebrating the holidays with plenty of food. Baffinland and Arctic Co-op has donated approximately 1,200 lbs of food to Ilisaqsivik for a community Christmas feast.

On Dec. 16, Ilisaqsivik staff and family members rejoiced in the Christmas spirit over dinner.

Dig in! Ilisaqsivik staff enjoy a Christmas feast in the Ilisaqsivik Society boardroom. On Dec. 16, Ilisaqsivik staff and family members rejoiced in the Christmas spirit over dinner. Baffinland and Arctic Co-op has donated approximately 1,200 lbs of food to Ilisaqsivik for a community Christmas feast.
photo courtesy Malcolm Ranta

The annual Christmas event has been happening for over 10 years, but has never been this “big,” explained Malcolm Ranta, the executive director of Ilisaqsivik.

90 people attended the event and shared food. There was turkey with stuffing, ham, cranberry sauce, corn, carrots, peas, potatoes bread, and a variety of juice drinks.

During the two hour event, there were some speeches and draws for prizes too. The prizes included a qamutiq, sewing machine, gift cards, and extra turkeys and hams.

The week before on Friday Dec. 13, Ilisaqsivik also had held a small annual Christmas feast for the Parents and Tots Program. The group of 15 came together to share food and play games.

“It’s a great event because it brings everyone together from the program for a big meal before the Christmas holidays,” said Ranta.

In addition to helping Ilisaqsivik with these Christmas feasts, Baffinland and Arctic Co-op have also donated approximately 7, 100 lbs to the Clyde River Food Bank. The food donation was given in order to prepare hampers for each household in the community.
Jonibeth Kalluk, a volunteer at the food bank, is very grateful for the food donations. He hopes the food bank will be able to stock up enough food to meet the needs of the community.

“Thank you all so very much. It is so appreciated by the whole community,” said Kalluk.

Helen Enuaraq dressed as Santa sit with Taiyan Padluq. photo courtesy Malcolm Ranta