Lions Donate to Caledonia and Six Nations Food Banks

By Carie Walker, The Sachem

News

Jan 18, 2008

On Thursday, January 10, 2008, the Caledonia Lions Club presented both the Caledonia and District Food Bank and the Six Nations Food Bank with donations of $800.

The donations were the profits generated from a bus trip to Buffalo, NY on December 6, 2007 where travellers attended an NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and the visiting Miami Dolphins.

The Caledonia Lions Club, with generous financial support from Ohsweken resident Ken Hill and the Six Nations Police Department, organized the fundraising event to Buffalo, NY. The $140 package price included a ticket to the game, food and beverages, and a seat on the bus. The trip sold out to 40 people.

"It was one of the largest donations we have received from any one person" explained Caledonia Lions Club President, Brian Speller about the donation of the bus rental, fuel, and bus driver services provided by Hill for the event.

"Without Ken's donation we wouldn't have been able to donate the amounts to the food banks that we are tonight" added Speller.

The idea to organize the trip with intentions of donating profits to food banks in the Caledonia and Six Nations communities was presented to Hill by members of the Caledonia Lions Club. When he learned that the proceeds would benefit members from both communities he did not hesitate to give.

"In light of all that's happening between our communities I wanted to help. I don't like to see our communities like they are and believe if we all do our part, even a little part, that maybe we can get things back to the way they were. This benefited people in both our communities" said Hill.

"And if someone were to ask me if I would do it again - of course I would" stated Hill.

Also on board with an idea to unite and benefit Caledonia and Six Nations community members were the Six Nations Police Department. Six Nations police chief, Glenn Lickers, said the department was more than happy to provide funds towards the trip and that members of the department "are always happy to help where they can".

Donations to the food banks come at a welcome time when donations seem to slow down after the holiday giving season.

"Oh it's just great, we really appreciate it very much" said Verna McLeish of the Six Nations Food Bank.

"We need all the help we can get to keep going," added Six Nations Food Bank representative Cameron Clause.

"I think it's great that we get the continued support of the Caledonia Lions throughout the year," said Dorette Allemang, Manager of the Caledonia & District Food Bank.

Building Bridges with Our Native Neighbours

Grand Erie District School Board information Letter

Distributed January 2008

This past spring, Grand Erie students and staff were involved in a number of activities under the project umbrella Building Bridges.

“The purpose of these events was to invite our non-Native friends from school to visit the Six Nations Reserve,” explains Shelby Montour, a grade 10 student at McKinnon Park.  “We figured that a lot of them would have never been to the reserve before.  We wanted to “build bridges” and give them an opportunity to learn more about the Haudenosaunee culture.”

The festivities kicked off with a “Meet and Greet” event that featured speakers, Native foods and a time of music and mingling.

The Grade 9 Native Experience brought busloads of Grade 8 and 9 students from J.C. Hill Six Nations Elementary School, Pauline Johnson Collegiate, McKinnon Park Secondary School and Hagersville Secondary School to the Six Nations Polytechnic Student Centre.  Students learned about traditional Native elements such as Longhouse culture, Wampum Belts, Lacrosse and Archery.

“I enjoyed participating as co-leader from the community,” reflects Shelby.  “The best part of the day for me was answering the questions from non-Native friends about my culture.”

The well-attended Secondary School Experience for Grade 7 students wrapped up the trio of events.  Native and non-Native students attending feeder schools for Hagersville, Pauline Johnson, and McKinnon Park gathered for an introduction to life in high school and assistance with what is often a stressful transition.  Shared programs included topics such as wrestling, football, anti-bullying, and Student Council.