Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I spoke about a pay it forward program in Fort Simpson. Today I would like to speak about a second program established in the region. It is largely in part to Mr. Troy Bellefontaine. In the summer of 2016, Troy began researching Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and, in November 2017, he began accepting registration for this literacy program.
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a program that sends one book a month to children between the ages of zero months to five years. The program is partly dependent on donations, as the cost is $3.55 per child per month. All other expenses are covered by the foundation. Initially, Troy himself began the program by donating enough money to have the program run for five months. As well, he personally funded all the promotion associated with this program, along with accepting the responsibility for registering the children. Since November, he has received approximately 45 registration, and predicts it will continue to grow.
The Liidlii Kue First Nation, the Village of Fort Simpson, and other local businesses have donated to allow this program to become operational in the community.
After conducting research, Troy established there are 113 kids in the region who qualify for this program. His goal is to have each of them registered and receive books each month. He would like to expand his literacy service to the other communities in the region, such as Jean Marie, Wrigley, Somba K'e, and Nahanni Butte. To his credit, he has.
Troy's personal commitment to literacy is one of his key passions, so much so that he took time off work to attend a literacy workshop in Yellowknife. He returned with the initiative to hold local literacy workshops, giving parents tips and tools on how to assist and engage their children in the joy of reading. The books not only assist with literacy, but they contain valuable life lessons. Many of the books teach kindness, caring, and helping others.
Troy also operates a successful private business. In October 2016, he and his employee, Heather Greencorn, discussed giving back to the community and options for paying it forward. The discussion resulted in Heather offering free hairstyling to the residents of the elders' care home in Fort Simpson. Heather has been providing this essential service since that conversation to the elders monthly and remains dutifully committed to this program. I would like to thank both of them for their commitment and others who continue to do this work behind the scenes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.