Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday in Fort Smith a funeral was held for the late Phillip Mandeville who was the 12-year-old son of Arlene Mandeville and August Abraham. Phillip died last weekend after a long battle with cancer.
Mr. Speaker, Phillip was a very special boy to the residents of Fort Smith. He touched everyone's heart in our community, just as Terry Fox touched every Canadian's heart as he battled with cancer. The community rallied together, which is one thing about Fort Smith that does make me proud. When people need help, every resident is there to share and care and help them with their needs, just as the Prime Minister explained how the warmth of the north is present by the way people care for each other.
Many times students would bring loonies to school to raise money for Phillip and his family. Dances were held, donations were generously given to Phillip's family so the family's travel costs to and from the university hospital in Edmonton could be financially assisted. This fall Phillip's family was granted a trip to Disneyland by the Children's Wish Foundation, although, unfortunately, Phillip and his family were never able to take the trip.