Statement made on 04 March 2010 by Senator Marie-P. Poulin (Charette)
Hon. Marie-P. Poulin:
Honourable senators, many parliamentarians from both houses have initiated or promoted in some way fundraising events for earthquake-ravaged Haiti, the birthplace of our Governor General.
Personally, I was privileged to co-host a concert in Sudbury with a prominent local businessman, Gerry Lougheed Jr. The event raised $75,000.
Many senators, in their region, rose to the occasion. However, I regard with great esteem the creativity and energy of one of our colleagues for his contribution to the national effort on behalf of the earthquake victims. Senator Jim Munson suggested to the National Capital Commission that a "Skating-for-Haiti" event be organized, including performers on ice, for the first weekend of Ottawa's legendary Winterlude Festival.
His initiative galvanized skating enthusiasts, capital region residents and visitors alike, into a common purpose — raising money for the poorest nation in our hemisphere where the capital city was flattened and hundreds of thousands of people were killed or injured by the colossal quake. Skaters' donations and portions of sales by vendors of that iconic Ottawa food pastry, the Beavertail, realized $13,000.
Senator Munson skated 100 kilometres during that first weekend and raised $10,000. A total of $23,000 was donated to the Red Cross, and that amount was matched by government funding. From all accounts, Jim and his organizers had a cracking good time despite an unfortunate tumble by his loyal staffer, Amélie Crosson Gooderham, who slipped on the ice and broke a wrist.
Colleagues, please join me in complimenting Senator Jim Munson for his fantastic idea on behalf of the people of Haiti and for serving as a rallying point for the local Haitian community.
Thank you, Senator Munson. Your personal involvement serves as an example for us all.