Jan. 29, 2026

In Pickle Lake, Ontario, the Northern store team is being recognized for its continued dedication to making a meaningful difference in the community following its support of the breakfast program at Crolancia Public School.

With a significant Indigenous student population, including those from surrounding communities such as Mishkeegogamang First Nation south of Pickle Lake, the school’s Breakfast and Healthy Weekends Program, available to all students, plays a vital role in ensuring access to nutritious food, strengthening food security, and easing financial strain for northern families.

Pictured above: Left to right, Principal Kayla Blakney and Four Directions Coach Danielle Willer receiving gift cards from Store Manager Nina Bosak and General Merchandise Manager Brandon Pruniak. 

Since the new school year began last September, the store team noticed school staff operating within a very limited budget during in-store purchases. To keep the program running and ensure students continue to receive nutritious meals every morning, faculty members and community partners had to make difficult decisions about reducing menu options and, in some cases, purchasing essential items such as eggs and bread out of pocket.

Realizing their growing challenges and guided by the strong relationship built over time with the school staff, the store team stepped in to help. After learning that the program’s allocated funding had been nearly exhausted within the first three months of the academic year, Northern donated a $1,000 grocery gift card on December 5, 2025. The contribution, coordinated with the support of Director of Sales and Operations, Jana Wilson, helped sustain the breakfast program and provided immediate relief.

“It was a difficult time for the school,” said Store Manager Nina. “We knew how hard they’ve been working to support the students at the school, and we did not think twice to reach out and help as much as we can.”

On January 13, 2026, in recognition of the store’s outstanding support and contributions, Store Manager Nina Bosak and General Merchandise Manager Brandon Pruniak were presented with the Trustee Award by Principal Kayla Blakney, during a school board meeting.

At North West, we are proud of store teams who go above and beyond to support the communities they serve by strengthening food security and helping ensure youth have the resources they need to thrive.