Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary woman. I want to talk about a resident of my riding who has devoted her entire life to volunteering. This extraordinary little lady and bundle of energy is Juliette Collin.
She was the oldest of 17 children and had to quit school to help her mother raise her brothers and sisters. Her community spirit developed at a very young age in her family home. In 1945, she started volunteering for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Subsequently, she gave her time to the Red Cross in the city of Anjou and to a women's shelter at the same time.
She was the president of the Association Marie Reine for 26 years. Until recently, she was the president of Bel Âge d'Anjou, a position that she held for 20 years. To stay in shape at the age of 85, she volunteers at a bowling centre.
She says that volunteering has greatly contributed to her happiness. She says that it is wonderful to be alive and that she has seen a great deal of suffering. Volunteering so much of her time has benefited her and taught her to appreciate life. At the age of 85, Ms. Collin still drives.
Thank you, Juliette Collin. What an amazing life.