Help Support Indigenous Kids this Holiday Season

Mikinakoos Children's Fund Launches $15,000 Giving Tuesday Campaign to Bring Holiday Cheer to Northern First Nations Children

To celebrate the upcoming holiday season, Mikinakoos Children's Fund will be raising donations to provide free Christmas toys for children in remote First Nations communities across Northern Ontario. In order to help reach as many children as possible, the organization is asking Canadians to help bring joy to children this holiday season.

Earlier this year, wildfires forced families to evacuate their homes and disrupted communities across Northern Ontario, adding further uncertainty to the lives of many children. Many families lost personal belongings, keepsakes and even their homes. While many families have returned home, the memories of a difficult Summer persist. After a difficult year, Mikinakoos hopes to bring some relief to families by helping children experience the joy of receiving a Christmas gift.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of the holidays,” says Stephanie Paxton, Executive Director of Mikinakoos Children's Fund. “After such a difficult summer for many northern communities, we want to help make December a little brighter for children. With the support of our donors, we can bring moments of happiness to children and remind families that they have not been forgotten.”

For families in remote northern communities, the high cost of living and limited availability of goods can make accessing everyday essentials challenging. Geographic isolation also creates logistical barriers to getting supplies into communities, particularly those that are inaccessible by road. Through its programs, Mikinakoos Children's Fund works alongside community partners to help ensure children have access to essential items that support their wellbeing.

Mikinakoos Children's Fund is working toward a $15,000 fundraising goal to purchase toys for 300 children in remote First Nations communities. Every $50 donation provides a new toy to a First Nations child in need. Donors are encouraged to contribute to the Giving Tuesday campaign online before December 31 to be eligible for a 2026 tax receipt.