Mr. Speaker, this is National Volunteer Week, a chance to pay tribute to a precious resource in our communities.
Much of what we take for granted is delivered to us by volunteers. They serve on boards and service clubs, help out in schools, churches, health care, arts and culture, and minor sports. The list is endless. Volunteers fundraise, feed and comfort.
Just today, five Canadian Red Cross volunteers from the Sault Ste. Marie and District branch left for Thunder Bay to work in shelters set up for evacuees from Fort Albany.
This weekend, Johnson township will pay tribute to coaches and other volunteers helping in an outstanding recreation program.
This Friday, I will attend a Volunteer Sault Ste. Marie and United Way dinner honouring 337 volunteers, outstanding representatives of many more who give of their time and talents.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma and I want to thank them.