AKWESASNE — The Akwesasne Holiday Helpers received support from several businesses to help Akwesasne families who are struggling for the holidays. Through the generosity of CAA Management, Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, CKON 97.3fm, and Tarbell Management Group; turkeys and gifts cards were provided to help families in need during the holiday season, along with a Christmas stocking for kids.
“Christmas is the time of giving and, this year, helping those who are less fortunate is needed now more than ever. It takes collaboration and the kindness of others to help families throughout Akwesasne who are experiencing a hardship. For that, we extend our sincere appreciation to CAA, ACSA, CKON, and TMG for giving back and providing a helping hand to our community’s families,” shared the Akwesasne Holiday Helpers.
CAA Management generously donated $17,000 to help struggling families during the holiday season, which included 300 gift cards valued at $50 each. With the exception of alcohol or tobacco, the gift cards are redeemable at their Twinleaf restaurant and convenience store in either Akwesasne or Fort Covington, as well as Jreck Subs. Their donation was accompanied with 300 Christmas stockings stuffed with children’s toys and other heart-felt gifts.
“As a family-owned business, we recognize the importance of helping those families who are experiencing a difficult time during the holidays. Whether it is due to a loss of income or other difficulty, ensuring that families are able to enjoy this time of the year is a priority for CAA Management. As a result, we are proud to help our community’s families who have been there for us. From our CAA family to yours, we extend our warmest thoughts and best wishes for the coming year,” stated CAA Management President Carey Terrance.
The kind-heartedness of Akwesasne’s businesses did not stop there however, as the Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, the local radio station CKON 97.3fm, and TMG Management also made contributions to this year’s Akwesasne Holiday Helpers. The Convenience Store Association donated $15,000 for the Holiday Helpers to purchase turkeys to help fill the 700 emergency food boxes that were distributed to Akwesasne families on Friday, December 11th.
“The Akwesasne Convenience Store Association is always willing to help out the community. Especially with these uncertain times with the Pandemic going on there is an even larger need within the community. Our Association represents 47 licensed members that is comprised of Petroleum and Tobacco, which are all dedicated to serving the community. We would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season from our business family to yours. Sincerely yours Rick Hamelin, ACSA President; Faith "Noonie" Thomas, ACSA Vice President and Julia Back, ACSA Administrator.”
CKON 97.3fm made a contribution of $5,000, while TMG Management donated $2,000 to help more families throughout the community. Gift cards purchased from CKON’s donation are from Akwesasne businesses and will not only help struggling families, but also helps support local businesses that are still being impacted by the pandemic.
The gift cards provided by TMG Management can be used at any Bear’s Den family-owned location: including the restaurant, fuel stations, and convenience stores; as well as at Tim Hortons and Papa Johns.
On behalf of the family of volunteers for the Akwesasne Holiday Helpers, “niawenko:wa/thank you very much” to CAA Management, Akwesasne Convenience Store Association, CKON 97.3fm, and Tarbell Management Group for your generosity and for your continued efforts to help others during the holiday season.
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