Holiday toy drive set for Indigenous children

Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services, along with the Sault Ste. Marie Walmart, are set to to host a holiday toy drive for Indigenous children. The drive will be called Chi-Ode, which translates to "Big Heart", a news release issued by Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services stated. 

“This is the season for giving and at Walmart, we believe all kids deserve a magical holiday season and to live better,” said Sault Ste. Marie Walmart Store Manager Johnathan Shemilt.

Full text of the release follows:

Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services and the Sault Ste. Marie Walmart (446 Great Northern Road) are teaming up on a holiday toy drive to collect gifts for Indigenous children living in care.

Throughout the year, the Sault Ste. Marie Walmart supports local charities. This holiday season, the local retailer wanted to highlight Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services for the work they do with Indigenous children.

“This is the season for giving and at Walmart, we believe all kids deserve a magical holiday season and to live better,” said Sault Ste. Marie Walmart Store Manager Johnathan Shemilt. “We are very proud to work with Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services on this year’s toy campaign and to support the incredible work they do with Indigenous children living in care. We hope our campaign will encourage people to give generously this year.”

Chi-Ode translates to “Big Heart” and fits with the spirit of giving and sharing, which are long-held traditions within Anishinaabe peoples. This name was gifted to the campaign by Cultural Services Manager, Darrell Boissoneau from Nogdawindamin.

“Culture is our foundation within Nogdawindamin, selecting an Anishnabemowin name has helped us enter our partnership with Walmart in a good way, with a good heart, and with the intent of honouring the spirit. Chi-Ode – Big Heart suits this initiative so well, as it directly speaks to the campaign and the community opening their hearts to take part in the toy drive.” said Heather MacLary, Protection Resource Manager.

Sault Ste. Marie residents can participate in the drive by stopping by Walmart, selecting a bulb from one of the Christmas trees on display at the front of the store and purchasing the toy suggested in the store’s toy department. Purchased toys can be dropped off in one of the collection bins located near the customer service desk.

For children in care, who are often only able to have limited contact with their biological parents and family members, the holidays can be a difficult and emotional time. Small kindnesses and unexpected generosity can do a great deal to lift young spirits during this part of the year.

“Throughout the region along the North Shore, it is very important to us as an agency to take the time to say ‘Chi-Miigwetch’ to the communities for all the additional supports given to our children and families we serve,” said Kerry Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Nogdawindamin. “There are a large volume of children living with Alternative Care families across Nogdawindamin’s service area, which stretches from Greater Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie. We know that these donated gifts will bring so much warmth and smiles to our children and youth this holiday season.”