Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Today I highlight local residents Carli Travers and Robert Burungi for their efforts spanning over a decade in creating and operating a school, Abetavu, in Uganda, funded by donations from fellow Canadians. Through Abetavu, they care for hundreds of vulnerable children and work to raise the larger community out of poverty. They also share their passions for helping others right here in Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam.
In the past year, however, while giving their time in free soccer clinics to our local kids, they were confronted with drive-by racial slurs. I celebrate Carli and Robert for their courage in facing down this offensive behaviour, and I appreciate the local leaders and the broader community who stepped up to denounce these hateful acts.
This is a daily reality for far too many Canadians, however. Racism and systemic discrimination continue to exist in our society. We must all step up as allies.
Thank you, Robert and Carli, for your commitment to the well-being of our community and that of our fellow humans.