Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hundreds of people in my riding who have given of their time and resources to raise relief funds for the victims of the tsunami disaster on December 26.
Young children have held penny drives and donated money from their paper routes. Youth groups have taken up collections. A group of Sri Lankan immigrants have stepped forward to lead local efforts.
In Pitt Meadows, Dotti Preena has organized a Sri Lankan fundraising dinner and silent auction.
In Maple Ridge, Surekha and Nelie Meedin teamed up with the owners of the Haney Bottle Depot to hold a successful bottle drive.
In Mission, Ken Selvaraja of the Cedar Valley Lions Club organized a Sunday brunch at Stella's Restaurant to raise funds for a Sri Lankan orphanage.
These are just a few of the countless examples of those who have done so much to help so many in their time of great need.
I ask all members of the House to join with me in thanking all those who have given and all those who continue to give.