Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honour a citizen of St. Catharines who has truly made a difference, an individual who has dedicated her life to helping others and specifically, to helping children around the world.
This tireless volunteer and dedicated Canadian is Fatima Basic. Fatima is presently the president of the Bosnian Children Relief.
Created in 1992, Bosnian Children Relief is a Canadian humanitarian organization dedicated to relieving the suffering of children and their families in war-torn Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Most recently, Fatima Basic has issued an urgent appeal for food, medicine, blankets, hygienic products and financial donations for the refugees fleeing Kosovo.
Fatima Basic recently received the International Helen Prize for her work to promote harmony and understanding around the world. This award is a well deserved honour that recognizes her many years of tireless dedication to the children and people of former Yugoslavia.
Today it is my honour and pleasure to share the work of Fatima Basic with my colleagues in the House and to congratulate her on her award. I thank her for her dedication, her spirit and the many lives she has aided over the years.