An expected Christmastime delivery to the remote Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories’ Sahtu region will conclude the 16th year of the North of 60 initiative in western Canada.

It's warmly appreciated by the people of these northern communities, particularly at a time of increased food insecurity and food inflation. While Canadians everywhere are feeling the squeeze, the costs in the territories are especially eye-popping. 

The timing in supplying this community with a 20-foot sea container full of food staples, clothing, sewing supplies, hygiene products and other requested essential items depends on when the wintry conditions create a solid-enough ice road for transport. 

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Eight other isolated towns, villages and hamlets — Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok, Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic, Fort McPherson, Sachs Harbour and Aklavik — received their Christmas gifts early, in June or early July.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) conferences throughout Alberta, twinned with these Arctic communities above the 60th parallel of latitude, mobilized parish communities to secure the needed goods.

Much like the year before, this year’s campaign was defined by resilience amid adversity.

“2025 has had some struggles because of the low water level on the Mackenzie River,” explained program president Peter Ouellette, a 20-year veteran of SSVP. “We used to have our freight barged down the Mackenzie River to most of the communities, and that barging was free, compliments of the government of the Northwest Territories.”

For the past two years, trucking has been required. An overall logistics operation formerly costing around $30,000 now requires $150,000. While the first year of the delta being too low hit by surprise and forced the coordinating team to scramble to find the necessary transport resources and funds, this year the crew was prepared.

“We went out early and solicited support,” said Ouellette. “The program has always spoken very well for itself. (Donors) really like the work that we are doing, and they like to support it. We didn't have any difficulty raising the money to be able to continue the trucking exercise.”

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An Edmonton SSVP gala at the Chateau Lacombe on June 5 raised $200,000 alone, split between the North of 60 program and the SSVP Edmonton Central Council that coordinates 20 parish-based programs. One of the special guests was program co-founder Sr. Fay Trombley, who has served the people of Tuktoyaktuk for over 20 years. Her commitment remains fervent even into her 80s.

While Ouellette said the program is in solid shape in the event of a potential third year of non-access to the Mackenzie River in 2026, keeping this alternative trucking operation sustainable for the long term presents financial challenges.

Ouellette has been determined to keep this program strong since he became involved nearly 15 years ago. Before her passing, the other North of 60 co-founder, Eileen Orysiuk, a parishioner of St. Pius X Parish in Calgary, committed Ouellette to North of 60 in colourful terms.

“She phoned me from her hospital bed and put the fear of God in me,” said Ouellette in a 2024 interview with the Register. “She said if I don’t continue this program, she will haunt me for the rest of my life. That was my inspiration, and it worked.”

Not all North of 60 volunteer or donor stories feature the emotional poignancy or the memorable humour of Ouellette’s tale, but SSVP Western Region president Heather Schilling said every contributor is driven to make a great impact for the program. Why? The sea containers resonate powerfully with the peoples of the Arctic.

“I think it's everything for them,” said Schilling. “Just knowing that somebody cares is so important for all of us. Those who are in the most desperate situations feel that most deeply. The response that we get consistently in Western Region and across Canada in this particular project to reach out to our neighbours north of 60 is always overwhelmingly appreciative.”

Also leading up to Christmas, Schilling said SSVP is striving to answer Christ’s call “to walk with our neighbours, understand their needs and be able to support those around us that are in need.”

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Recognizing that many Catholics may contemplate during the holidays whether they are truly doing enough to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Schilling has a message.

“I invite all Catholic Christians to explore the Society of St. Vincent de Paul wherever they are,” she said. “Really to get to know the society’s vision and values and to look for ways to provide their time and their talents to support the initiatives that are going on in their communities.”