Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, I had the opportunity to walk alongside thousands of my constituents as part of the Relay For Life. There were over 4,000 participants, divided into 88 teams, in Rimouski, and there were over 350 participants, divided into 36 teams, in the Cabano sector of Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac. They walked all night. I participated with them in this walk, which is a show of solidarity, to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Thanks to the volunteers and people in my riding, nearly $289,000 will stay in the Lower St. Lawrence region and will help people affected by cancer. The money will go to research, prevention, the purchase of wigs and prosthetics, and other forms of direct support for patients going through difficult times.
I am proud that the dreary weather and even the rain that we had in the middle of the night did not dampen the enthusiasm or the spirits of the people of Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques. The Relay For Life in Rimouski even beat its own record.
Cancer is a terrible disease that can attack us or someone we love. I want to thank and congratulate those who participated in the Relay For Life events in Rimouski and Témiscouata. In the face of this terrible disease, you chose to take action and celebrate life.