Mr. Speaker, I am always honoured to talk about extraordinary people from my riding, Mégantic—L'Érable, but today I want to acknowledge the municipality of Plessisville.
Not only do we boast the biggest Relay for Life, but Plessisville has also set the record for the most successful blood drive, thanks to the students of Polyvalente La Samare.
On April 30, 1,091 people answered the call and donated blood. The response was so awesome that Héma-Québec could not even accommodate all the donors. The blood drive was applauded internationally at a special ceremony in Dallas, Texas, on May 11.
Hats off to the 56 students on the committee who were inspired by the story of the event's honorary chair, Serge-André Tardif.
Hats off to François Gagnon and Nathalie Fillion, the main organizers and champions of the blood drive.
Hats off to all the volunteers. Thank you for being with us in Ottawa today. Thank you to all the donors.
On behalf of all my colleagues in the House of Commons and all Canadians for whom giving blood means giving life, I want to congratulate and extend heartfelt thanks to the organizers of the Polyvalente La Samare blood drive.