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Labrador Outreach Project

The Labrador Outreach Project is a joint effort of three parishes: St. Theresa (North Augusta), St. Laurence O’Toole (Spencerville) and St. Ann (Merrickville). This volunteer effort is designed to assist the Innu communities of:

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  • Natuashish, which can only be reached by sea or air; and

  • Sheshatshiu, about 30 kilometers north of Goose Bay, Labrador.

 

Guided by the advice of the priests and the teachers, volunteers from the three parishes collect and purchase new clothing items for adults and children, books, toys, backpacks, sports equipment and any other items identified as needed by each community.

Items for the 2024 Campaign

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The following list of items has been compiled with the insight of the teachers and the two priests in the Innu communities.

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  • New baby sleepers, blankets, onesies, socks

  • New warm pyjamas, sweaters, undergarments, warm socks for all ages

  • New fleece clothing for all ages

  • Boots or sneakers for all ages (new or lightly used)

  • Waterproof mitts for all ages

  • Prayer shawls (Note: The Innu's colours are black, red and yellow. If you make some of different colours, please incorporate black, red, and yellow.)

  • Snowsuits for all ages ( New or lightly used) 

  • Craft supplies, such as:

    • crayons, washable markers, washable colouring paint and brush

    • glue, children scissors, construction paper

    • activity and colouring books

    • small canvas and acrylic paint with brush

    • wood burning kits

    • bird feeder kits

  • Sporting goods, such as:

    • inflatable balls (e.g. footballs, soccer balls, etc.)

    • frisbees, skipping ropes 

  • Small religious items, such as rosaries, pictures, statues, etc.

  • Children’s books

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Cash donations are gratefully received. Please make cheques payable to St. Laurence O'Toole and deposit your contribution in the weekly collection basket. Send e-tranfers to stlaurenceotoole@outlook.com. Be sure to identify that it is for Labrador Outreach.

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For collection of items you may bring them to St Laurence O’Toole, St Ann, St Mark and Sacred Heart.  You may also contact any members of the Labrador committee and for St Mark & Sacred Heart you may contact Edie Batstone. 

Please bring donated items to one of the participating churches below before November 3: 

 

  • St. Laurence O'Toole
    50 Centre Street, Spencerville ON

  • St. Ann
    230 Main Street West, Merrickville ON

  • St. Mark
    160 Dibble Street West, Prescott ON

  • Sacred Heart
    3060 John Street, Cardinal ON

​About the Project

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The Labrador Outreach Project has a long history of volunteer effort. In 2006, Bishop Crosby of Newfoundland and Labrador was instrumental in working with Ann Gollinger, a St. Laurence O’Toole parishioner, in establishing a volunteer plan. Ann worked with Fr. Rushton in arranging the first shipment of snowsuits, boots, mitts, baby items and many other items. Various transport companies have assisted in the past, and presently, Kriska Transport of Prescott and Morneau Sego of Quebec City are generously providing transport to Happy Valley.

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The Labrador Outreach Project “takes a village” to ensure a successful campaign each year. The committee collects funds and items that are identified as a priority. Parishioners and local clothing retailers are contacted to make donations. Items are sorted and boxes each year at St. Theresa and Agathe Soucie (Committee Chair) and Deacon Mark ensure the boxes are sent to the transportation company. This past year, Cate Mawson organized a sewing bee and the volunteer team produced 188 toques, neck warmers and hats. Diane Lockett makes rosaries, and bracelets and a team of seamstresses and seamsters from St. Ann's makes baptismal cloths for the children.  

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This relationship has been sustained for sixteen years with regular communication with various priests over the years. This year's effort is facilitated by Fr. Joe at Our Lady of Snows (Sheshatshiu) and Fr. Ray at St. Anne Parish (Natuashish). The project supports all members of both communities. The Labrador Outreach Project is the only assistance received by these communities. The need is great with over half of the population being youth and babies. Poverty is a real issues in these communities and the project relies on the continued generous support from the parishioners of St. Theresa's, St. Laurence O’Toole's and St. Ann's.

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If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Agathe Soucie.

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