Pimicikimak youth need donations from Winnipeg, Bear Clan says

Winnipeg's Bear Clan patrol is asking for donations to give to Pimicikimak youth in response to a suicide crisis affecting high school students in the northern Manitoba community.

The volunteer group is asking for arts and crafts supplies, leather, beads, ice fishing equipment and indoor sports equipment such as basketballs, volleyballs and floor hockey equipment.

• Father struggles with heartbreak, Pimicikamak continues call for help
• Pimicikamak hockey coach pleads for more youth programs to prevent suicide

"It's something to keep them busy, to distract them, to give them something else to do than sit there and think about what's happened. It's such a tragedy," said Bear Clan co-ordinator James Favel.

Six people, four of them high school students, have died by suicide in Pimicikamak, also known as Cross Lake,since December.More than 100 young people are on a suicide watch list.

"I'm thinking that we'll send them up a bunch of arts and crafts supplies and have them make some products and then have them send them back down and we'll sell them for them," he said.

Favel said they're looking for new and used supplies for all ages, as long as they're in good condition.

They plan to bring the donations to the northern community next weekend.

Anyone interested in donating can email bearclanmb@hotmail.com.

MaMawiWi Chi Itatais helping.

A spokesperson says people can drop off donated goods at 445 King Street between 8:30 and 4:30 Monday to Friday.

The last day to donate is next Friday, March 18.