Wreath fundraiser’s a wrap

This year’s annual wreath fundraiser was a big hit, with $24,000 raised for language revitalization efforts in Kanesatake.

The fundraiser, which was held at the new Gathering Place and recently renamed Kawinónhshen Audrey “Minnie” Nelson Memorial Language Fundraiser, brought together 16 wreaths from 14 sponsors, with a half-and-half draw also kicking in nearly $2,000 of the fundraiser’s haul.

Tawisenhas Dave Nelson was the lucky winner of the half-and-half, but the wreaths were also big-ticket prizes in themselves, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 in value.

Kimberly Simon won The Nice List wreath, sponsored by Kahneki:io, which included prizes like LEGO sets, a laser tag system, and chocolate advent calendars.

“It felt good to win! My kids were super excited to win the toys,” she said. “I gave them each a bunch of tickets and they had placed them all in the toy wreath.”

After picking up the haul, the family separated the toys, with each of Simon’s children choosing one, then they set aside some for cousins’ gifts, and the rest are going to others in Kanesatake.

“My children are going to be giving the rest of the toys to other children in the community who are less fortunate with hopes of brightening their holidays,” Simon said.

Community members purchased sheets of 12 tickets for $10 and distributed them as they saw fit amongst the wreaths, which each represented a prize pack or cash.

“We put tickets in all of the wreaths and, for our family, it’s a fundraiser that we will always participate in and contribute to,” said Simon. “It’s a fun experience for the kids and all for a great cause to promote language revitalization in the community.”

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter