Mr. Speaker, I want to applaud the relief efforts of many people in and around the riding of Scarborough--Rouge River in response to the December 26 tsunami. In particular, I would like to recognize the following groups and individuals:
Mr. Mano Kanagomany organized People Helping People which collected clothing and food to be sent to the region. The Integral Yoga Centre made its premises available as a staging centre.
The Islamic Foundation of Toronto sent a team of doctors to Indonesia, and hosted a fundraising dinner with 10 other Islamic mosques that raised over $1 million.
The Laxmi Narayan Hindu Temple raised over $23,000 and sent a container of clothing to Sri Lanka.
The Chinese Cultural Centre coordinated a fundraising appeal with the Canadian Multicultural Council-Asians in Ontario and Citytv, and raised $60,000.
Canadians for Tsunami Relief was formed by several local businesses and cultural organizations to raise funds for the Red Cross and Oxfam. Dr. Joseph Wong of the Yee Hong Community and Wellness Foundation assisted there.
Sylvester Rajaratnam coordinated a group of local churches and businesses, and sent seven containers.
Many other people have similarly participated in the effort and I thank them all.