Pictured: Grocery department manager Preston Bittern, cashier Johnneil Bertrand (right front), and office admin Cheryl Bertrand

On December 20, the Hamlet of Fort Liard, NWT hosted its first ever Christmas Santa Parade. Participants were invited to decorate their vehicles in the spirit of Christmas, with prizes for the best decorated. There was a total of 10 different floats and even a couple of snowmobiles that entered the competition. The Fort Liard Northern Store was one of the participants.

Back of truck: Grocery Store Clerk Francis McKinnon, Inside truck: store manager Greg Wilson, cashier Johnneil Bertrand, grocery stock clerk Michael Sassie, and postal clerk Inez Fantasque

When the winners were announced later in the day, the Northern store won first place! The grand prize was a $150 gift card and the Northern team decided to give the prize away. “It was decided among the staff to donate the money back to something worthwhile – the Healthy Horizons Foundation,” explained store manager Greg Wilson. The staff purchased 30 large $5.00 star icons to hang in the store and support the campaign.

“It was a team effort where everyone helped in one way or another to make it all happen, at a cold 28 below,” said Wilson.