Even as Tasha Tologanak wraps up a two-year culinary arts program in Edmonton, sheSA国际影视传媒檚 still thinking about ways she could help others.
SA国际影视传媒淚 was planning to open up a soup kitchen,SA国际影视传媒� she said, adding that sheSA国际影视传媒檚 also pondering a catering business.
Tologanak, 23, earned the Outstanding Young WomanSA国际影视传媒檚 Award through the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council on March 13.
SA国际影视传媒淚 was really surprised,SA国际影视传媒� she said, adding that she only found out the night before the announcement that a former boss at Community Justice nominated her for the distinction. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檝e always had a place in my heart for people in the community and I think ISA国际影视传媒檒l always try to find a way to help them out and give back.SA国际影视传媒�
Among the reasons she was chosen was a Christmas hamper program that she organized out of her home.
SA国际影视传媒淚 just felt like I needed to help the community during Christmastime and during winter because itSA国际影视传媒檚 so cold and everything is so costly and expensive back home,SA国际影视传媒� Tologanak said. SA国际影视传媒淚 knew a lot of people needed winter clothing so I organized that and I partnered with the high school and we were able to get maybe five big Rubbermaid (tubs) of winter stuff and we distributed them.SA国际影视传媒�
She also solicited donations for turkey dinners and unused Christmas decorations.
SA国际影视传媒淓veryone was so supportive and so helpful, and they just wanted to participate,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
Tologanak has also rounded up handouts following fires and other emergencies in Cambridge Bay, as recently as last summer, canvassing for clothes, dishes and other household items to aid families who suffered material losses.
It is this sense of caring that persuaded the status of women council to honour Tologanak.
SA国际影视传媒淪he understands the hardships of others and wants to help ease these hardships. She looks out for people in need and this makes her an excellent role model for others,SA国际影视传媒� the council stated in a news release.
Tologanak credited her parents, Jason Tologanak and Denise Ohokak, for ingraining in her that itSA国际影视传媒檚 better to give than to receive.
SA国际影视传媒淢y parents do a lot of community involvement as well. I grew up looking and seeing what my parents do,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 just always been a part of my family, I guess.SA国际影视传媒�
TologanakSA国际影视传媒檚 grandmother, Peggy Tologanak, was overjoyed when she heard about her granddaughterSA国际影视传媒檚 accolades.
SA国际影视传媒淥h my gosh, I was so excited. I couldnSA国际影视传媒檛 stop laughing and smiling and crying,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
Rankin InletSA国际影视传媒檚 Rosemary Sandy was selected for the Wise Woman Award this year. Sandy was recognized for sharing her traditional knowledge such as sewing and cooking, stretching and drying skins. She was also described as SA国际影视传媒渙pen, kind and supportive.SA国际影视传媒�
