The Family Centre is in urgent need of warm coats and winter gear, for those in need. Men’s, women’s and children’s sizes are all needed. To donate items, drop them off at the Family Centre, in the Old CN station.
The Riverside Foundation for Health Care 50/50 deadline will be here faster than you think – February is short and sweet! Buying early makes the pot bigger! Three chances for $5, 10 chances for $10 and the best deal of 60 chances for $20. Get your tickets now at www.riversidefoundation.ca/5050 or call the Foundation Office at 807-274-4803 to make arrangements for offline payment. Every dollar raised helps our local hospitals to purchase life saving equipment.
Birch Bark Yarns is (virtually) hosting the Sweater Knit-A-Long (KAL) & there will be prizes! The Knit-a-long is free and open to everyone – Knitters, Crocheters & Markers are all welcome! Beginners & Experts are welcome! To join us, join the “Sweater Weather K.A.L.” Facebook group. More details are available on the group page as well as on our Facebook Page @birchbarkyarnsco. The Knit-a-long will run from mid January to March 31 2021.
Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club is available for skiing and walking/snowshoeing. In order to comply with COVID guidelines the chalet is open only for people accessing rental gear. Face masks must be worn in the chalet (no substitutes please) and users must social distance. No gatherings or parties allowed. Get outside and get some exercise! Memberships online at zone4.ca; per person day use $10 plus equipment rental fees $5 if you use our gear.
The Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club is holding a January challenge! 49 km on the 49th parallel – hit the trails and cover 49 km in the month of January! All registrants are entered for prizes. Free for members, $10 for non-members. For more information, visit them on Facebook or e-mail rlnordic@gmail.com.
If you have questions for the Medical Officer of health, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, she participates in a live Question and Answer session every second Thursdays at 1 p.m. over facebook Live at the NWHU Facebook page. You can also access the chat through GoToMeeting, with links available here: https://www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19/Pages/public-sessions.aspx.
The Rainy River Valley Field Naturalists are looking for individuals to participate in the annual Breeding Bird Atlas Survey. For more information or to join, e-mail Ilka at boghunter@yahoo.ca, or visit rrvfn.org.
Anishinaabemodaa – Waking up Ojibwe – is a partnership between Seven Generations Institute, SayitFirst and the Rainy River District School Board. Their Facebook page posts videos and other resources to give First Nations kids, a way to hear and learn their own language.
The Fort Frances EarlyON Child and Family Centre has been posting fun craft and activity ideas on their Facebook page, that families can do at home.
The Emo EarlyON Child and Family Centre is placing craft kits outside the centre each week. Check them out on Facebook to see what’s new.
Volunteer opportunities
Paws and Claws Canada is in need of rural homes willing to take in barn cats. They have identified several cats, currently in horrible living conditions, which are not truly feral, but are also unsuitable for indoor pets. Many currently reside in the Rainy River “cat colony.” If you can offer a safe, comfortable home for an outdoor cat, e-mail pawsandclawsff@gmail.com.
Paws and Claws Canada is in desperate need of foster homes. They are currently unable to take in all the cats and kittens in need of care, due to a foster home shortage. For more information on what’s involved, or to volunteer, e-mail pawsandclawsff@gmail.com.
Meals on Wheels is seeking volunteer drivers. Meals are delivered over the lunch hour. The program welcomes individuals, teams or organizations. To find out more, call Gaby Hanzuk at 807-274-3764.
The WWRD Lions Club is seeking new members. They meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Rainy River Evangelical Covenant Church. Fort more information, contact Secretary, Peggy Advent at WestRRDLions@gmail.com or phone 807-483-5403.
The Legion Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 29 is always on the lookout for new members! If you would like to know more about joining this group of fun and hard working ladies please contact Cindy Noble at 271-2021 or Joanne Gosselin at 274-5932.
Impact the lives of local girls, by volunteering for Girl Guides of Canada. The Fort Frances Chapter meets Monday nights, with groups in Emo and Rainy River as well. Training, events and scholarships available. Visit girlguides.ca/web/GGC/Volunteers.
