Catholic schools help Kashechewan families displaced by flood

Students and staff of the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board will be collecting clothing and other items for the nearly 600 Kashchewan First Nation residents staying in the city after being displaced due to floods.

People of Kashechewan were forced to leave their homes because of rising flood water on the Albany River.

The school board isnow working with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to collect clothing, toys and anything that the residents might need for what will be a longer stay than many had thought.

According to NAN Deputy Chief Alvin Fiddler, somefamiliesmay not be able to return until mid-summerbecause of severe damage to their homes.

They've been here for a few weeks now, and we understand that some of them will be travelling back in June, but there are at least 25 families whose home were damaged during the flood sand they'll be here until at least July. Fiddler said.

The clothing and toy drive was announced at St. Patrick High School Monday.

As a Catholic board we felt the need to sort of step up and help out however we could, said the board's Aboriginal outreach worker, Janine Landry.

When they left home they were evacuated very quickly and only allowed to bring a small bag with them, so theyve told us they are quite in need of clothing and different items like that.