Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are often community members who make great contributions to a community who go unrecognized, mainly because these individuals seek results rather than recognition. They humbly and selflessly serve others. Today, I would like to recognize a few of these individuals from the Nahendeh region.
Currently, the Northern Store in Fort Simpson is operating a pay it forward program. This program started six years ago, when resident Mrs. Pat Waugh heard of a homeless resident having to be medevac'd because he consumed discarded food.
Pat started the program at the local Northern Gas Bar in Fort Simpson, simply by donating enough for a sandwich and coffee for some of the homeless residents or residents who could not afford adequate nutrition. Soon the program was off and running. Within a short amount of time, the donations began to increase to a pace that tracking of funds became difficult to manage. The Northern Store manager decided it was best to put all donations on a gift card. This would make tracking the funds easier. Once the program was established, the Northern Store managers felt it was important to match the donations.
There are a few programs in Fort Simpson that offer food to those in need. Currently, there are numerous individuals who access and rely on this essential pay it forward program, helping to meet their nutritional needs.
The most important proponent of this program is the fact that the funds on the gift card are not exhausting. It appears that Ms. Waugh instinctively knows when the card is running low on funds, and drops into the Northern Store to stock it up.
Mr. Speaker, this pay it forward program is an excellent way for members of the community to look out for and take care of one another. This program further enhances a culture, people caring for people, and in doing so, making them feel loved and appreciated.
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Betty Ann Nayelle and Chevon Kellman, who were instrumental in delivering the program and management of this program. I would like to thank them for doing this great job for the residents of Nahendeh. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.