Mr. Speaker, as the United Nations International Year of Volunteers draws to a close I recognize all the Canadians who contribute their time and skills to their communities.
We know that more than 6.5 million Canadians serve a wide range of voluntary organizations. In addition, 16.2 million Canadians volunteer their time informally by providing occasional caregiving relief or by driving an elderly person to the grocery store. They provide the simple but generous things that improve the quality of our lives. Given that we are a nation of fewer than 32 million people, this is an amazing rate of volunteerism.
The rural communities across Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington are typical of the generous spirit and caring of Canadians. For example, on November 23 the Napanee Rotary Club celebrated its 75th anniversary. Since 1926 Rotarians have partnered with others in the community to support diverse initiatives, from creating recreational spaces to contributing to the children's wing of the local library.
Although the International Year of Volunteers is coming to an end, the work of volunteers will continue. Please join me in saluting all Canadian volunteers.