Mr. Speaker, next week is National Volunteer Week when we recognize so many who donate their time to fellow Canadians.
I thank the thousands of volunteers in Guelph who do so much to better our community. Their generosity was overwhelming in response to the tsunami in South and Southeast Asia.
The Rotary Club and Valentini Hair Design hosted a cut-a-thon. Harcourt Memorial United Church staged a benefit show where many, including Robert Munsch, performed. The Guelph Storm Hockey Club and the Guelph Fire Department collected donations. Youth undertook action in their schools to help raise money. The local Red Cross alone received over $770,000 from thousands of individuals and businesses.
These fundraising efforts could not have occurred without so many generous volunteers. I congratulate them and thank them for all of their hard work.