(Photo featuring food hamper program participants at the Northern Store in Behchoko, NT. Back row, left to right: Leslie Mackenzie – Store Employee, Sheila Lamouelle – Food Hamper Coordinator / Volunteer. Front Row, left to right: Shirley Lafferty – Food Hamper Committee Volunteer, Seth Lamouelle, Freddy Lafferty – Store Volunteer.)

The Northern Store in Behchokǫ̀ helped bring a little Christmas cheer to 200 families in the community over the holidays. The Northern store along with other supporters were able to contribute to the food hampers for local residents.

Farzana Sahadat, the Northern store manager in Behchokǫ̀, has made an intentional effort to show support for community initiatives like this over the past few years.

“While the store is involved in smaller projects and donations throughout the year, the Christmas Food hamper is a highlight event for us to showcase the store’s involvement in the community,” says Sahadat. “It’s a project the entire team can feel good about and get behind.”

Back in 2016, when a local food hamper committee approached Sahadat for some help, she saw the request as an opportunity to increase community involvement and show support where it was needed. In addition to providing food items, the store also provided a handful of volunteers and a space to assemble the hampers. Since then, the store continues to support this important initiative.

“It is a step toward building long-term relationships with community members,” said Sahadat, “and towards highlighting the Northern brand as the community’s first shopping choice.”