Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the very admirable and worthwhile work of the Yellowknife Rotary Club to make an impact on northern students at several schools here in Yellowknife.
Two years ago, the Rotarians initiated a program called Kids Ahead, and that is exactly what they are doing, helping kids to get ahead. It involves a snack program and a buddy reading system.
The Kids Ahead program is offered to approximately 70 grade 1 students in Weledeh and Mildred Hall School. These grade one students all get a healthy snack and a drink of either fruit juice or milk every morning at recess.
The Rotary Club of Yellowknife donates approximately $20,000 a year to the program, and raises the money through the sale of roses around Thanksgiving of each year, a program which is fully supported by the florist companies in town. Money is also raised at the annual rotary bike auction and the annual charity golf tournament, which will be held on August 11th.
The second part of the Kids Ahead program involves Rotarians and other volunteers who go into the schools to be a reading buddy, and sit and read with a grade 1 student for half an hour each week. It is recognized by the teachers that this is one-on-one reading is extremely beneficial to the students.
I would like to recognize Garth Wallbridge in the audience today, Mr. Speaker. He is one of the Rotary volunteers who is here with us. I join Mr. Wallbridge in urging everyone who has time and would like to read with a student for a half hour each week, to call any Rotarian and volunteer.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Yellowknife Rotary Club for the fine work they are doing and the tremendous contribution they are making to our young people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause