I’m happy to welcome the President of the Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association, Mr. Vernon Hendrickson, and his colleague Lacelle Campbelle.

As we complete Black History Month, I would like to shine a light on a special person and organization. Today, in the House, I am happy to welcome the president of the Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association, Mr. Vernon Hendrickson, and his colleague Lacelle Campbelle.

Vernon, a long-time resident, is the founding member of the Thornhill African Caribbean Canadian Association, also known as TACCA, a not-for-profit multicultural organization with members from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities from all over Canada and the Caribbean. In operation since 2005, they offer support programs and scholarships to our extended community, and one of the highlights of their meaningful work includes the talented, mellifluous and melodic sounds of the TACCA steel drum band.

When I asked Vernon about his inspiration, he talked about a little boy who fundraised for his school. The school needed improvements, and this boy jumped on his bike and he stopped to collect money from the business people of Nevis, riding on his bike and going door to door to make a difference. That little boy later travelled to Canada from Nevis, worked and studied and went back to give back to his community in forming TACCA. In 2002, now an adult, he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his meaningful and significant contributions to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I do not think I need to tell you that that little boy on the bike is Vernon, and I do not believe that Vernon’s attitude or work ethic has changed since that little boy jumped on his bike to help his community.

I hope everyone in the House celebrates this last day of Black History Month by getting to know Vernon Hendrickson and his tireless commitment to the people of Thornhill. I encourage everyone to continue to appreciate the positive impacts Black Canadians have made for our economy, society and within our government, not just this month, but every month.