Mr. Speaker, front-line organizations do so much to support our communities that it is hard to imagine how we could manage without them.
Maplegate House for Women, a women's shelter in Elliot Lake, is a vital resource for the most vulnerable people in the region, and it has ambitious plans to do even more.
In addition to running an emergency shelter for abused women and their children, Maplegate is adding a transitional house for women and a new men's shelter for the community. On top of that, it actively engages people in the area so that everyone has the opportunity to help their neighbours in need. That was the case last weekend, when volunteers, sponsors, and organizers hosted a Coldest Night of the Year walk for homelessness. Billed as family-oriented and fun, the Elliot Lake event raised $24,000 to help Maplegate serve the most vulnerable in our society.
I encourage all members to join me in thanking organizations like Maplegate, which make our communities more compassionate and caring places to live.