Mr. Speaker, the holidays are a time when Canadians think about helping their community, something the people who work at food banks do every single day.
They know that hunger never takes a holiday, and that need is always growing. Individuals like Pastor Dan Lee of Chapleau are part of the solution. He founded the food bank, alongside his ministry. Groups like the Rotary Club of Kapuskasing are taking their turn running the food bank after years of great service by the Kinsmen Club.
Food banks are not the only way that need is met in the north. On Manitoulin Island this November, over 6,000 individuals were served during the Homeland Missions' free food giveaway, led by Pastor Rodney Deforge. In Elliot Lake, the Al Collett memorial Christmas dinner continues a 33-year tradition of giving to those in need of food and company over the holidays.
These are just a few examples of how people all across Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing are volunteering to make their communities more compassionate and caring for the holidays and all through the year.
I thank everyone, and happy holidays to all.