(Image courtesy of NNSL Media)

NorthMart Store Manager Kevin Giesbrecht (in blue) and the Regulators staff members presenting the food vouchers to be given to people in need. 

The partnership between NorthMart and IC Regulators Corp. has provided some immediate relief and support to those who need it most in Inuvik, NT.

IC Regulators Corp.’s owner, Inuvik-born Jay St. Germaine, was determined to make something happens when he received calls from family and friends having trouble making ends meet since COVID-19 precautions came to the town. St. Germaine contacted NorthMart Inuvik Manager Kevin Giesbrecht, and together they created the food voucher program.

In early March, 175 food vouchers were distributed to those who could use some extra help, redeemable for a sandwich made in store, bag of chips and a bottle of water. The coupons went to families in the community who are known to be most vulnerable, and to some people at the town’s shelter. The support was warmly received and appreciated since food and water are everyday necessities.

“[The store is] in a position where we can help. It is days like these where our community needs us the most, although it is challenging to the store as well,” says Kevin. “We are lucky to still be in a position where we can go out to work. It’s not going to be easy for many other people and any help is great help. People still need to eat every day even if many services had come to a stop in different ways. That was our motivation in stepping up to help the less fortunate.”

Both NorthMart Inuvik and IC Regulators Corp. are open to bringing this initiative back and engaging in other opportunities to support the community of Inuvik, if allowed.