Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Canadians from coast to coast to coast who give their time, money, talent and passion to charitable and philanthropic causes across this country. It is these people who make Canada the greatest country in the world.
We are fortunate to have a healthy and vibrant charitable sector and a strong tradition of philanthropy in Canada. Every year almost 23 million Canadians reach into their pockets and donate more than $10 billion to support charities and causes that they collectively believe in.
Canadians not only support these causes with their wallets but also with their time. These days it is more and more difficult to find quality time to spend with loved ones and yet Canadians still give their evenings and weekends to organizations that depend on donated time.
In my riding of Peterborough, the electric city region as I like to call it, we have great examples of people who donate so much of their time, their money and their efforts. Two weeks ago a new clinic was opened in Lakefield, a village in my riding. So much of that was made possible by the Morton family, a family which gave so much money because they wanted it for the community.
I think of people like Daryl and Jewel Bennett; a former MPP from Peterborough, Keith Brown, who is always there; John and June Turner, who have been there; the former speaker of the Ontario legislature, who has been there for United Way fundraising causes for years. The three loonies: Peter Blodgett, Bruce Fitzpatrick and Bob McGillen, who go out every year and raise all kinds of money for the Peterborough food bank and for the Peterborough Kawartha food share.
A lot of people know Jim Balsillie from RIM and the BlackBerry that we are all so fond of. Jim Balsillie donated so much money. He was the largest donor to the Peterborough family YMCA, hence why it bears the name “Balsillie” on the outside of the building. And of course, John and Susan Mackle, busy people who are giving so much of their time this year to head up our United Way campaign of which I will be a major contributor. I have made the pledge that I will do that as will my colleagues in this party to support the Peterborough United Way.
I want to salute all members in the House. They have demanding schedules and it may limit their volunteer opportunities, but many participate for a cause. It is these types of events that bring people together for a common goal and that is true of all members in the House and all parties. But it does not stop there. The many benefits that derive from people giving so generously of themselves is tenfold. The knowledge that we have helped or impacted someone's life is truly priceless.
In 2007 Canadians volunteered more than 2.1 billion hours of their personal time to volunteer associations, charities and community groups. That is equivalent to more than 1.1 million full-time jobs worth of volunteer time and that number continues to grow each and every year.
An example of this generosity was on display in the national capital just a few weeks ago when more than 8,500 volunteers and participants joined the CIBC Run for the Cure. Even during these hard times many generous people gave their time and money to support, and they should be saluted for that.
In fact, similar to the CIBC Run for the Cure each and every year we have the dragon boat races in Peterborough and it always astounds me how many people show up at Little Lake in Peterborough for the dragon boat races. This year we are going to have two dragon boat races in Peterborough. We will have the event that we have every year that this year raised in excess of $200,000, but next year we are going to have the international dragon boat races in Peterborough. It is so exciting that we will be welcoming them to raise money for a truly great cause, breast cancer research.
The people of Ottawa in the CIBC Run for the Cure raised a record $1.5 million just a couple of weeks ago for breast cancer research. It is remarkable. Although such a feat appears astounding during a recession, these actions happen every day in every province, in every city, in every town in this great country. From walks to raise money for multiple sclerosis, or silent auctions, to help fund local community centres, from the countless hours spent organizing and planning to donations big and small, the spirit of giving is the very essence of what makes this country truly great.
Although the billions of donated dollars and hours were not given for recognition, they are certainly worth every penny. Volunteers have the power to make the difference because they are the community. They do not volunteer because they have to, but rather, they volunteer because they want to.
We are fortunate to have a healthy and vibrant charitable sector and a strong tradition of philanthropy in Canada. The philanthropic spirit of giving of every type, from donating to volunteering, is essential to the values of Canadians and is worthy of recognition.
Through the dedicated work of caring individuals and organizations, November 15 has already come to be known throughout Canada as national philanthropy day. It is time to make it official. The recognition of this special day would help further the important work of those involved in the philanthropic community while encouraging the generosity of Canadians.
This government calls the attention of Canadians to this worthy day and to the actions of all those who have given of themselves to make Canada and the world a better place.
Therefore, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, I am signifying our intention to declare November 15 in each and every year to be recognized throughout Canada as national philanthropy day.
This is a day that belongs to all Canadians, not just the Government of Canada.
This is a day that belongs to all Canadians who have given their time or money not because it was legislated or taxed by an order of the government but because it was a good thing to do.
This is a day for each and every one of us to give a simple thank you to everyone who has helped make this country a better place, indeed, the greatest country on earth.
