The Boundary Métis Community Association (BMCA) is working to raise funds for sick children within Grand Forks.
Danny Williamson, president of BMCA, explained Sunshine Valley Community Services approached the group for monetary assistance and the idea to help the children sprung from there.
“There is one child that we know of, that happens to be Métis, who has a rare disease and they need extra medical attention,” he explained. “But there are also another six children who also need medical help. We’re looking to help all the children instead of just focusing on the one child. If we’re going to help one child in the community, we’re going to help them all.”
Ideas that have been discussed include a fishing derby at Wilgress Lake, as well as raffle draws and selling Aboriginal crafts.
“Apparently it won’t be cheap and the government financial services won’t cover after a certain amount and it leaves these kids and their parents alone,” Williamson said. “We’re hoping the whole community will get involved to raise funds to help these kids. It’s a shame that in this day and age we don’t have the services or resources to help these kids.”
Charles Thomas Houle, who is assisting the BMCA, is also hoping to raise funds through selling firewood to the community.
Houle is currently cutting wood on a woodlot near Lynch Creek, though he pointed out any help in regards to donating saws, fuel or batteries would be appreciated.
He added local youth would also help in stacking and organizing the wood.
With the help of local companies and their woodlots, Houle plans to raise money for a trust fund.
“Depending on what people want, the prices will vary,” Houle said. “From being delivered, to different sizes and types of wood (such as larch or pine), or even split or non-split wood.”
The trust fund has yet to be determined, but BMCA hopes to get everything sorted and put together soon.