Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the House to pay tribute to the United Way. While most Canadians know about the United Way's annual fundraising campaign in October, few are aware of all the preparation necessary to its success. Right now local branches are putting in place the human infrastructure of volunteers who will do the required work. Community leaders from business, labour and government are coming together as a team to steer the campaign through a series of special events designed to raise public awareness.
In my riding of Oakville all of this activity begins with a community leaders' breakfast next Friday. From that starting point the helping network will spread through the town to involve as many volunteers as possible. The result will be financial support to the social and health agencies that are the base of any resilient community.
Today I want to salute the hardworking staff and the generous volunteers of the United Way family and to wish them well as they march together to a successful campaign '99.