campaign

An area business is bringing its Chemo Bag Campaign to Kenora.

The bags provide patients undergoing chemotherapy with personal care items.

The Window and Door Store introduced the campaign in Fort Frances in 2024.

Co-owner Jessica Ogden felt it was important to bring it to Kenora.

“We wanted to bring this here to help everyone who’s going through chemo,” says Ogden.

“They may have been one of our customers at one point in time. And instead of just doing it on our own, we want to try to get the community together, showing that we’re all together.”

Ogden is now reaching out to other businesses and organizations that may be interested in donating an item to the bags or providing money to purchase something patients can use.

“The chemo bags generally have blankets, socks, phone cords, insulated cups or mugs, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye drops, wig washing certificates, pens, puzzle books, journals, just things to keep them busy while they’re having their chemo treatments or if they have to travel for chemo treatments,” says Ogden.

In Fort Frances, the campaign was successful in compiling enough items for 150 bags that were provided to patients there.

Ogden says items collected in Kenora will go to patients from that community.

“Our goal is to do 300 bags to donate to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital chemotherapy department. I’m hoping that will come to fruition,” says Ogden.

Area businesses will be receiving letters soon about the campaign and how they can help.

Those with items to donate can contact Jessica at 807-547-0302, or by email marketing@ windowdoor.net.

Anyone who would like to provide a monetary donation, Ogden encourages them to visit the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation website when they can, click ‘chemo bags,’ and donate any amount they desire. Click here.