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Dryden Food Bank seeing more visitors than year ago

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The manager of the Dryden Food Bank says more people are coming their doors than in 2024.

Al Huckabay says around two per cent more people are using the local food bank on a monthly basis than last year.

He says newcomers who have expired work visas and are out of work make up the most noticable jump in clients, followed by families.

“Because of the cost of food,” says Al Huckabay. “They’re just finding it hard to make ends meet, even though some of them are still working.”

He adds the rising cost of housing and heating is also driving many new clients to use the Dryden Food Bank.

Huckabay says the rising cost of food, in particular, isn’t just contributing to more people needing the food bank’s services.

“We rely on donations,” says Huckabay, adding that includes government and public grants. “Sometimes our grants are drying up or getting smaller and yet the price of food continues to go up so we’re not able to utilize the bang for the buck to try and purchase food (so) we’re able to purchase less food but using more money.”

He says that is forcing Dryden Food Bank to limit handouts as they stretch the food on their shelves as far as possible.

Earlier this week, Food Banks Canada announced that monthly visits to food banks were up 5 per cent nationally over 2024.

In a study, the agency found food banks in Canada saw nearly 2.2 million visits in a single month.

That is double the monthly usage recorded just six years ago.

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Prepare To Pay Twice For Sticker Renewal

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A reminder that sometimes things are just too good to be true; if you didn’t renew your licence plate sticker in 2020 you’ll have to pay double in 2021.

The Ministry of Transportation says that those who did not pay to renew last year will have to pay for 2020 as well as 2021 this time around.

That means for northern Ontario, you’ll be on the hook for at least $120 to renew, while if you’re in southern Ontario that doubles to $240.

This comes as a surprise to some after the Ford Government announced last year that in an effort to keep people home and stop the spread of COVID-19, all stickers and licences that expired on or after March 1st 2020 would be legal until further notice.

While that notice has not yet officially been given, the Province has started a social media blitz encouraging drivers to renew their stickers and/or licences online.

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Billet Families Needed For Ice Dogs

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The Dryden GM Ice Dogs are now looking for billet families for the upcoming SIJHL season.

Homes are needed for the 2020-2021 campaign.

Team officials say becoming a billet family is a rewarding experience full of lasting memories.

Anyone interested in helping or requiring more information is asked to get a hold of Jenn Turgeon at jennturgeon@hotmail.com

You can also visit the Ice Dogs Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=3325088974206464&id=183933848322008

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Audio: Tikinagan Continues To Support Children

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The Executive Director for Tikinagan Child and Family Services says everyone is working together in uncertain times to keep kids safe.

The Sioux Lookout based agency continues to partner with its 30 member First Nations communities to ensure the well-being of children and their families remains forefront.

Thelma Morris says things have changed as they can no longer hold face-to-face visits.

“More frequent calls to foster parents and children in care. Particular attention being paid to high risk youth. As we all know during this time it’s very stressful for everyone.”

She notes Tikinagan is also conducting virtual check-in’s during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morris stresses children and youth who have lost nearly all in-person contact with teachers, Elders, youth programs and other community members still need to be supported.

She says they rely on adults in the lives of children and youth to report their concerns.

Morris says anyone witnessing child abuse or neglect can call their toll-free number 1-800-465-3624 and coverage is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tikinagan is also recognizing Children and Youth in Care Day Thursday.

Morris says “As an agency, we recognize the importance of this day and honour the strength, bravery, and resilience shown by children and youth in the face of difficult times. We hope this day will destigmatize views about children and youth in and from care by increasing public awareness and understanding.”

She adds “I think it’s important we celebrate the amazing success of children and youth in care who have connections to our 30 First Nation communities.”

For more information visit https://tikinagan.org/

To hear more from Thelma Morris visit the Audio link below.

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Provincial Funding For Families

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Parents can now apply for one-time provincial financial assistance during COVID-19 school and child care closures.

The government is providing $200 per child 12-years-old and younger and $250 for anyone 21 and under with special needs.

Education Minister Stephen Lecce says the new ‘Support for Families’ initiative is another step to support struggling families.

Lecce says parents already receiving ‘Support for Parents’ payments through direct deposit will automatically be eligible for this financial support and do not need to submit a new application.

He adds the funding is available to all Ontario residents, regardless of whether or not their child is in school or child care.

Lecce notes the closures have disrupted family life and the government will do whatever it takes to support them and keep them safe.

For application information visit http://www.ontario.ca/supportforfamilies or call 1-888-444-3770.

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FIREFLY Supporting Parents During COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic could be a time of anxiety and stress for many children and youth.

FIREFLY provides emotional, physical, developmental and community services for children and youth across the Kenora and Rainy River District.

Executive Director Karen Ingebrigtson says one tip she can offer is don’t be afraid to talk about the subject.

“Children are hearing about this. People are talking about it. So it’s really good to have a discussion. Start to think about how you can be that filter for the news for your children and to help them feel informed.”

She notes the first step is informing yourself as a parent, noting information on symptoms, prevalence and current recommendations can all be found at www.publichealthontario.ca

Ingebrigtson says this is a time when we may feel powerless but it’s also an opportunity to take advantage of the things that we can control.

“This is an opportunity to help children and one of the ways to do that is to have a routine. Children are away from school now (for 2 weeks) so how can we build in a routine in our day-to-day activities.”

She suggests that today’s technology allows for virtual playdates and even coffee shop gatherings for Seniors.

Ingebrigtson also suggests developing creative activities for the entire family to take part in.

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FIREFLY Expanding Services To Children/Families

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FIREFLY has been able to expand its service delivery options to continue to offer care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization provides emotional, physical, developmental and community services for children and youth across the Kenora and Rainy River District.

All offices and childcare programs are closed until April 6th to limit the spread of the virus.

Executive Director Karen Ingebrigtson says staff will still be providing counselling and childrens rehabilitation services by telephone or online.

Ingebrigtson says over the next days, their clinicians will be reaching out to existing clients with upcoming appointments to discuss that options that are available during this time.

New clients will also be accepted and you can call FIREFLY at 1-800-465-7203 for more information.

Ingebrigtson stresses “For our Child and Youth Mental Health programs, we recognize that these times of uncertainty are when children, youth and families will need our services the most. We also know that for our Child and Youth Development Services, consistent, structured, uninterrupted services will have the greatest benefits for the families we serve to build on their strengths.”

She notes the best way to stay updated on FIREFLY activity during the pandemic is by visiting their Facebook page.

Ingebrigtson says it includes helpful tips to cope with anxiety during a stressful time.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/fireflynw for more information.