Head to the Nunavut News Facebook page to join the fun!

With just a picture showing off the exciting stay-at-home life of a Nunavummiut, a lucky weekly winner could win a $150 Northern/NorthMart gift card.

Whatcha doin’ to #PlankTheCurve? is a campaign hosted by Nunavut News aiming to raise public awareness about COVID-19 and its potentially deadly complications. As Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam has advised nationally, practicing social distancing is a crucial safety measure to reduce transmission and spread of the outbreak.

Flattening – or “planking” – the curve can save thousands of lives by avoiding overwhelming healthcare facilities and workers who are treating patients who have tested positive with the virus. Each individual who limits social contact is protecting themselves, their loved ones and their community – all helping Canada to recover from the disruption seen over the past few weeks.

The North West Company is proud to support Nunavut News and Nunavut communities by being the prize sponsor of the weekly photo contest.

“We are very thankful for The North West Company’s contribution to Nunavut communities and residents,” says Laura Whittle, Nunavut News’ Advertising Representative. “The prize sponsorship supports our proactiveness and effort in raising COVID-19 awareness. It communicates that businesses in the North like Northern and NorthMart have concern for the overall well-being of Nunavummiut in vulnerable areas.”

The first winning entry belonging to Baker Lake’s Sherri Lee Mouqtassid (left) was announced last Friday, April 24.

“We did a science experiment at home with eggs – soaking them in Pepsi overnight," first contest winner Mouqtassid happily shared. "The following morning, we noticed the eggshells were stained. We concluded that sugary sweets and caffeine are not good for teeth. We then compared the Pepsi eggs to regular ones and tried to brush the stains off – and they did disappear. We learned that brushing teeth is very important. The two kids – Adam and Asher – love homeschooling in Baker Lake. I’m overjoyed with how much the boys are already learning too."

Some activity ideas for the photo contest include washing hands, video calling family and friends, learning at home or going out on the land. Everyone living in Nunavut can participate through photo entries on Nunavut News' Facebook page. A randomly chosen winner will be announced every Friday for the next three months.