BY HEIDI ULRICHSEN
Kashechewan residents were treated to a big farewell bash by the City of Greater Sudbury at the Garson arena today.
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Victor Stephen with two of his four children, Ashanti, 2, and Keenan, 4 at the farewell bash for Kashechewan evacuees Wednesday. Photo by Heidi Ulrichsen. |
Children were able to visit with Santa, bounce on inflatable trampolines, meet Sudbury Wolves players, fish for prizes, get rides on a horse-drawn cart and eat pizza and popcorn. Presents for each child were piled high on a table.
"I'm excited and happy they're doing this. I thank Sudbury. I thank them a lot," said Victor Stephen, 24, as he watched his four young children enjoying the activities.
"I think my kids are jumping around on those trampolines right now. They're really excited about getting presents."
Stephen has heard about the water damage to some buildings in Kashechewan, but thinks his house is probably fine. He and his family will be returning to the town on Dec. 15.
"I think it's stable with my home anyway. I'm not really concerned about going home. I'm just happy to go back. I feel relief," he said.
For Stephen, the only bad thing about going back is that his children won't be able to attend school until at least the new year. The town's elementary school, St. Andrew's, has been condemned because of diesel oil spills and mould.
The children may attend classes at the high school once it's renovated, but that means older students will have to stay in Timmins or Sudbury to finish their school year.
"I'm not happy about the schools being closed because my kids won't be in school. Hopefully they will start something temporary," he said.
Sudbury Wolves players Ryan Hastings and Keaton Turkiewicz were at the party to sign team hats and notebooks for the children.
"I think the evacuees are jumping on board with the Wolves. I was told that hockey is a big part of their community. We're trying our best to give back to them in their time of need here, and just make this time of the year special for them," said Hastings.
The city organized the celebration to bring some happiness to the children of Kashechewan, who have gone through a lot of hardships in the past few months, said Sudbury Mayor Dave Courtemanche.
"I think it's been particularly hard for the kids to be away from their homes and to face uncertainty," he said.
"I think today was all about celebrating the friendships and relationships that have been built over the last couple of weeks with our Kashechewan friends, and give the children a chance to celebrate the Christmas season."
The Mayor wasn't sure whether water damage in Kashechewan homes will force some evacuees to stay in Sudbury longer than expected.
So far, the evacuees have cost the city about $1 million, all of which will be reimbursed by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
"If they're not able to move home, I understand that there is a central facility in Cornwall, and they'll have an opportunity to go there until their homes are ready," he said.
"These residents, of course, have the freedom to be wherever they want to be. I understand that some of the younger ones are even looking at enrolling at local colleges."
