I am proud to rise today on international world volunteer day, a day to celebrate the important role that volunteers play in our communities across the globe.

According to Volunteer Canada, over 12 million Canadians generously contribute their efforts to numerous causes annually. Here in Ontario, their contributions have shaped our province through their compassion, community and spirit of giving back. Their impact is immeasurable.

My community is blessed with countless volunteers and community organizations who give so generously to improve the lives of others, and I thank them all.

Today I’m proud to be joined by two amazing community volunteers, Brigette Contento and Michael Verrelli, who lead the Humberlea Community Group and do so much to build a happier, healthier and safer community. They organize food drives and bring food to our most vulnerable. They’ve created an outdoor skating rink and set up an outdoor library in their park. They host year-round events for our children, like their annual Santa Claus parade, spooky Halloween get-togethers, Easter egg hunts and more. When they’re not busy hosting their own events, they’re attending and helping in others and are members of various committees like the 31 Division Community Police Liaison Committee.

Brigette and Mike, thank you so much for making our community better every day. We are all lucky to have you. And thank you to all volunteers everywhere.

I have a few to introduce today. I’d like to begin by introducing and welcoming:

Brigette Contento and Michael Verrelli of the Humberlea Community Group, as well as Alonzo Jones, CEO of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario, which, since 1969, has been the statutory regulator and governing body for architectural technologists, architectural technicians, registered building technicians and registered building technologists;

Also, other members of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario, including Cindy McPhee, who is a principal designer with First Step Design Ltd.; Frank Balenzano, who is a plans examiner and building inspector for the city of Brampton and AATO board member; and Tony Bianchi, who is an AATO board member, though retired.