Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to rise and talk about some of the COVID-19 responses in the Nahendeh region.
Northerners throughout the area support local events and groups however they can. Things like the Lights On Program and the elementary school lunch program received donations monthly pre-COVID-19. That includes monthly donations. The North West Company Healthy Horizons Foundation donated $20,000 to the Lights On Program so that they could begin to build a snowboard park in Fort Simpson, and I'm happy to say it's been built. Since the pandemic started, they donated $1,000 to the local foodbank and soup kitchen. This was greatly appreciated by the staff and residents. As one person said recently, every little bit helps in our time of need.
There have been also private donations from the North West Company by the Sprout Foundation and Second Harvest. The North West Company contributed an additional $600,000, bringing their total donation of $3.6 million. This donation will be spread throughout the stores within the North West Company to divide among communities in the form of vouchers. These vouchers can be used in store to buy food items. The company is working with the community to decide which families would benefit most from this. They are also looking for new ways to support the community. We are especially grateful for the support that they have shown us throughout the difficult times.
There are a couple of other stores that I'd like to recognize here, as well: the Unity Store and the Fort Liard General Store. They are big supporters of community events, corporate citizens, and employers in both the communities. They also reach out to people in time of need.
I would like to also recognize Dene First Nation, who contributed a whole pot of their money, including dividends as they move forward. This has allowed people, not just in the community, but also outside membership, to get food in this time of need. The local band has also developed small gardens for kids under six. This is allowing them to get the material and seeds, and I would like to thank them for that.
In closing, I would like to thank all of the businesses and stores which I didn't mention today for all their help and commitment to the residents of the Northwest Territories and for their wellness. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.