The Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) has purchased and is finishing the delivery of approximately $15,000 worth of infant-care items to rural communities.

It’s doing so after the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in “panic buying” and a subsequent shortage of diapers, wipes and formula in stores throughout the territory, the CYFN said Tuesday.

It was alerted to the shortage when residents in Old Crow requested support to obtain infant-care items for 14 families who were either expecting a newborn or who had children under two years old.

The CYFN acknowledged that the shortages were likely affecting all of rural Yukon and began arranging for shipments to be delivered to 12 communities.

The deliveries began in April, with the last of the infant supplies being delivered this week.

The load of infant-care supplies includes 171 boxes of wipes, 202 boxes of diapers and 111 containers of powdered infant formula.

Shoppers Drug Mart donated infant formula, chocolate and colouring books. A1 Delivery donated free storage, while Save-On Foods negotiated with suppliers to send the extra items to its store.

“CYFN is pleased to assist Yukon First Nations in rural communities to ensure essential supplies are available during these challenging times,” said Grand Chief Peter Johnston.