Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the staff and volunteers of UNICEF.
On Halloween night this coming Saturday, over two million children volunteers will be carrying the UNICEF box while trick-or-treating. Instead of asking for candy they will be collecting coins.
Empowered to help other children around the world, our kids are taking action. The money they collect will help ensure that children in poor countries are immunized, registered at birth, will eat nutritious food and will learn to read.
Since 1980 the increase in basic immunization coverage has saved the lives of more than 20 million children.
Programs supported by UNICEF and other partners have helped more than 900 million people gain access to safe drinking water.
I am appealing to the traditional Canadian generosity. It does not matter how small the amount. Every bit helps. On Halloween night this coming Saturday, when people see a volunteer child of UNICEF, drop a coin. It will help to save the life of a needy child. We can make a difference.