Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Two families in Fort Simpson in my constituency of Nahendeh are going through a very difficult time right now with members of their families having to be sent out on medevacs to Edmonton within the past couple of weeks on two separate occasions.
Community members organized a fund-raising loonie auction to assist these families in coping with expenses. There were approximately 96 local businesses and individuals, and ten outside businesses which were all from Yellowknife, and individuals some of whom, I am proud to say, are honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly, that donated numerous gifts and other items to be auctioned off.
I am proud to say that due to the enormous support and the numerous items received for the auction, which took two evenings to conclude, they raised $12,000 to be divided up evenly between the two families. I would like to thank all the individuals, especially the Members of this Legislative Assembly and the Deh Cho First Nations who helped organize this successful event. I would also like to thank the community of Fort Simpson for coming together to provide tremendous support to its members through their difficult ordeals. I would also like to express my sincere compassion for the families and the individuals involved in these tragic circumstances. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.