The challenge began about three weeks ago. (submitted photo/Christopher Merasty)

By Derek Cornet

Churchill River

Canoe trip reward for youth partaking in Men of the North challenge

Jun 26, 2020 | 4:27 PM

A unique northern experience is awaiting a local group of boys if they clean 60 yards by July 20.

The project was initiated by Men of the North and includes eight participants between the ages of 10 to 18. So far, Men of the North Founder Christopher Merasty said the group has completed 23 yards as of Friday, along with numerous public areas around the tri-communities in need of cleaning.

“We go around doing a couple of yards per day, plus we look for a section in the community and it could be on-reserve or off-reserve,” he said. “We usually get roughly a garbage bag each full and then we will leave it for the next day, so the next crew will come and clean it up.”

Working in teams of two plus a member from Men of the North, the participants are willing to trim, cut, rake or remove garbage from yards free of charge. Merasty noted those taking part aren’t only being rewarded with a trip next month if successful, but they are also meeting new people and making new friends.

The Lac La Ronge Indian Band is sponsoring the food for the participants during the duration of the project, while the trip itself is sponsored by the Family Violence Prevention Program and SaskTel. The trip itself is being organized by Churchill River Canoe Outfitters in Missinipe.

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“We’re going to take them on a four-day canoe trip on July 29 to Aug. 1,” Merasty said. “They are going to supply two guides, food and the water-proof barrel. We’re going to look at getting the canoes from Churchill Community High School and Senator Myles Venne School.”

So far, 23 out of 60 yards have been cleaned. (submitted photo/Christopher Merasty)

Anyone in the tri-communities are eligible to have their yards cleaned. Merasty encourages anyone who needs the service to call or text 1-613-207-0870 or 1-306-288-7998 to be added to the list.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno