This morning we spoke with Provincial Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Patty Pottle who contacted us with an update around this topic.

She says they held a meeting yesterday and the outcome is that now people who live on the North Coast of Labrador making $35,000 - $40,000 a year can apply for the $500 home heating rebate.

In the past, the rebate was only available to those making less than $35,000 annually.

Pottle says the rebate still applies to those who make less than $35,000.

Minister Pottle also commented on this fall's wood pilot project and says that it was a fantastic success.

Stay tuned to AtjiKangitut because at 2:30 we will hear what Pottle says about the Home Heating Fuel Rebate and the wood project.

The Campaign was launched to reduce the number of people who smoke in their homes by encouraging them to take it outside.

Sharon Edmunds is the Regional Health Educator for Nunatsiavut.

She says the Blue Light campaign is now being launched in Nain, North West River and Happy Valley Goose Bay.

DHSD will provide a free light bulb to put in your porch or outside to show your home is smoke free.

Edmunds says each household can pick up a light bulb and register at the DHSD in their community on Dec. 15 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

For residents in Happy Valley the location to pick up a light bulb is on Courte Real Road at the end of Grenfell Street.

She adds the light bulb is free for those 15 years and older and the limit is one per household.

So on December 15^th, Edmunds says “ Let Your Blue Light Shine!”

For further information contact your local DHSD office.

The Labrador Friendship Centre in Happy Valley- Goose Bay is once again very busy getting ready for Christmas.

They are holding different events for the community at the Centre.

Stanley Oliver is the Executive Director of the Friendship Centre.

He says they've already held two Christmas gatherings for community members.

On Friday, December 5^th, they had their Senior's Christmas dinner.

About one hundred and fifty seniors showed up and had a great time enjoying a meal, recieving presents and the evening finished off with a dance.

On Sunday, December 7^th, the Centre held their Annual Christmas Party for children of low-income families.

The children had a meal and Santa came and gave out presents.

All the children had a wonderful time.

Today, the Health Baby Program is having their Christmas Party.

Oliver expects up to fifty moms to bring their babies for the party and Santa will be stopping by bringing presents for the babies and their moms.

The Friendship Centre is also busy with the Upper Lake Melville Ministerial Association with volunteers from the community collecting turkeys, food items and presents for Christmas hampers.

Oliver says they usually have about 250 to 300 hampers for needy families, with donations coming from the communtiy.

Volunteers deliver the hampers to needy families a couple of days before Christmas.